Situation in Syria escalates – joint demarche by ambassadors of Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain

The British, French, German, Italian and Spanish ambassadors in Damascus today (14 April) met Syrian Foreign Minister Muallim to discuss the escalating situation in the country.

The ambassadors voiced their Governments’ grave concern over the rising number of victims and the continuing widespread violence.

They once again condemned the assaults by the security forces on peaceful protesters and called for restraint.

They made clear that violence from whatever quarter was to be rejected. On behalf of their Governments, the ambassadors again called on the Syrian Government to respond to the legitimate demands of the Syrian people and introduce credible political reforms. That was the only way for Syria to achieve long-term stability, they pointed out. They also called on the Syrian Government to release immediately all political prisoners and human rights defenders.