Statement by the High Representative, Catherine Ashton, on the continued violent crack-down of the demonstrations in Syria

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 24 March 2011

A 124/11

Statement by the High Representative, Catherine Ashton,

on the continued violent crack-down

of the demonstrations in Syria

Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and

Vice-President of the Commission, made today the following statement:

"I am deeply concerned by the increasing number of persons killed and demonstrators arrested in

the Southern city of Deraa.

The use of live ammunition and excessive force against peaceful protestors must cease immediately

and is to be sharply condemned.

I reiterate the EU’s call on the Syrian authorities to uphold the right to peaceful assembly and to

abide by international standards calling for the use of non violent means by law enforcement

officials. I call for the immediate release of all persons arrested during the demonstrations.

The leadership in Syria must meet the legitimate grievances and aspirations of the people calling

for political and socio-economic reforms, the end of the state of emergency and the release of all

political prisoners and human rights defenders."

____________________

P R E S S

FOR FURTHER DETAILS:

Michael Mann +32 498 999 780 - +32 2 299 97 80 - [email protected]

Maja Kocijancic +32 498 984 425 - +32 2 298 65 70 - [email protected]

[email protected]

www.eeas.europa.eu

EN

بيان من الممثلة العليا كاثرين أشتون يعبّر عن القلق من تزايد أعداد القتلى والمعتقلين في درعا، ويدعو سلطات النظام السوري إلى احترام حق التظاهر السلمي وتلبية مطالب الشعب بالإصلاح.