Foreign Minister Westerwelle condemns new wave of brutal violence by Syrian Government and announces further sanctions

> “What we are currently witnessing in Syria is an outrage. President Assad’s regime is continuing to shoot at its own people, again causing numerous deaths this weekend.

> The German Government demands that President Assad put an immediate end to violence against peaceful demonstrators. Only an immediate turnaround, serious dialogue and a willingness to reform can prevent even greater bloodshed.

> If President Assad is still not prepared to change course, we will impose further sanctions together with our EU partners.

> In cooperation with the USA and our partners in the region, especially Turkey, we are continuing to do our utmost to convince the regime to take a different tack. We remain firmly convinced that the United Nations Security Council must respond to the violence. We will not slacken in our efforts to win over the countries that have hesitated to join us thus far.

> The Syrian people have called for democracy, change and an end to tyranny. They have our full support in this.”