Syria - Council Conclusions (Foreign Affairs Council, 12 April 2011)

COUNCIL OF

THE EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 12 April 2011

8871/11

COMAG 52

PESC 472

NOTE

Subject:

Syria

- Council Conclusions

At its meeting on 12 April 2011 the Foreign Affairs Council adopted the conclusions on Syria as set

out in the Annex.

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EN

ANNEX

Council Conclusions on Syria

1.

The Council is extremely concerned at the situation in Syria. It deplores the many deaths

resulting from ongoing violence, strongly condemns the use of force by the security forces

against peaceful demonstrators and urges the authorities to exercise restraint. The Council

calls for the immediate release of those arrested in connection with the peaceful

demonstrations. The Council calls on the Syrian authorities to investigate the deaths of

protestors and to bring those responsible to account through a fair and transparent process.

2.

The Council calls on the Syrian authorities to respond urgently to the legitimate demands of

the Syrian people including through the lifting of the state of emergency. It underlines the

importance of a clear and credible programme of political reform and the announced intention

for political reforms must be more ambitious and backed by a concrete timetable for their

implementation. It takes note of the appointment of a new Prime Minister and looks forward

to the formation of a new government that should urgently launch the necessary reforms.

3.

The Council notes the announced formation of a number of committees to review legislation

and expects them to produce substantive proposals towards an inclusive, open and

representative government. The Syrian authorities must abide by their international

commitments with regards to ensuring respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms

including freedom of assembly, expression and media. The Council calls on the Syrian

authorities to release without further delay all political prisoners and human rights defenders.

4.

The Council will monitor events closely and stands ready to review its policies towards Syria

as appropriate, including by supporting, once launched, a genuine process of reform.

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استنتاجات مجلس الشؤون الخارجية في الاتحاد الأوروبي حول سورية، تعبّر عن القلق البالغ من الوضع وتدين استخدام قوات الأمن القوة ضد المتظاهرين، وتدعو إلى التحقيق في مقتل المحتجين ومحاسبة المسؤولين وإجراء إصلاحات.