Syria - Draft Council conclusions, Foreign Affairs Council, Brussels, 23 May 2011 (COREPER note)

COUNCIL OF Brussels, 23 May 2011

THE EUROPEAN UNION

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NOTE

From : COREPER

dated : 23 May 2011

to: COUNCIL

Subject : Syria

- Draft Council conclusions, Foreign Affairs Council, Brussels, 23 May 2011

1. COREPER approved the draft Council conclusions on Syria at its meeting on 23 May 2011

set out in ANNEX I.

Nv

COREPER agreed to enter in its minutes the statement set out in ANNEX II.

3. | The Council is asked to adopt the draft conclusions at its meeting on 23 May 2011.

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ANNEX I

Draft Council conclusions on Syria

1. |The EU condemns in the strongest terms the ongoing repression in Syria and the unacceptable

violence used by the military and security forces against peaceful protestors which have lead

to hundreds of fatalities and many more people being injured. Those responsible for this

violence should be held accountable. The EU expresses it condolences to the families of the

victims and salutes the courage of the Syrian people.

2. The EU urges the Syrian leadership to agree and grant access to an urgent mission of the

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to the country, as requested by the

United Nations Human Rights Council on 29 April.

3. | The EU is deeply concerned at continuing mass arrests, intimidations and instances of torture

and calls for their immediate halt. The EU calls for the immediate release of all those arrested

for their participation in peaceful protests, as well as of all political prisoners and human

rights defenders. Syria must abide by its international commitments, in particular its

obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and uphold the

right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. The EU is equally concerned by the

refusal of the Syrian authorities to grant access to foreign media to report freely on the

unfolding events in the country. It also condemns the arrests and intimidations of Syrian

journalists by the authorities.

4. The EU is deeply troubled by the military closure of a number of cities, such as Deraa,

Banias and Homs and by reported hindrance of access to medical treatments and to basic

services. The EU calls on the Syrian Government to guarantee free and independent access to

humanitarian organisations and provision of humanitarian aid to these areas and to fully

respect humanitarian principles.

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5. The EU urges the Syrian authorities to respond to the legitimate demands of the Syrian people

by launching an inclusive and genuine national dialogue and by implementing without delay

and through a concrete timetable, meaningful political reforms. This is the only way to initiate

a peaceful transition to democracy and provide stability for Syria in the long term.

6. As part of the ongoing review of all aspects of its cooperation with Syria, the EU has decided

to suspend all preparations in relation to new bilateral cooperation programs and to suspend

the ongoing bilateral programs with the Syrian authorities under ENPI and MEDA

instruments. The EU Member States stand ready to review their bilateral cooperation in this

regard. The Council invites the EIB to not approve new EIB financing operations in Syria for

the time being. The EU will consider the suspension of further Community assistance to Syria

in light of developments.

7. The EU recalls that it will not take further steps with regard to the Association Agreement

with Syria and therefore the signing of the Agreement is not on the agenda.

8. On the 9th of May the EU decided to impose restrictive measures against Syria and persons

responsible for the violent repression against the civilian population with a view to achieving

a fundamental change of policy by the Syrian leadership without delay. The Council has

decided to further strengthen these restrictive measures by designating additional persons,

including at the highest level of leadership. The EU is determined to take further measures

without delay should the Syrian leadership choose not to change swiftly its current path.

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ANNEX II

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مذكرة من لجنة الممثلين الدائمين (كوريبر) إلى مجلس الاتحاد الأوروبي تتضمن مسودة استنتاجات المجلس حول سورية تمهيدًا لاعتمادها في 23 أيار/ مايو 2011.