Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton on the situation in Syria

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 11 June 2011

A 229/11

Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton

on the situation 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 deplore the escalating use of brutal force against protestors in Syria in recent days. I reiterate

my repeated calls on the Syrian authorities to change course. This includes releasing all those

arrested in connection with protests, as well as other political prisoners who remain under

detention despite the recent amnesty announced by President Assad. The siege of a number of cities,

including Deraa and Jisr al-Shughour, must be lifted without delay.

Those responsible for the violence and killings must be held accountable. As requested by the UN

Human Rights Council on 29 April, I urge the Syrian authorities to cooperate fully with the Office

of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. I am deeply concerned by the worsening

humanitarian situation caused by the actions of the Syrian authorities and call upon them to allow

immediate and unhindered access to international human rights monitors and humanitarian

agencies, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The shooting, assault and arrest of protesters and the very disturbing violations of fundamental

human rights must cease now, to leave room for an inclusive national dialogue. This is the only way

to achieve the peaceful change the Syrian people are calling for.

The EU is working with its international partners for a condemnation by the UN Security Council

of the ongoing repression in Syria and to press the Syrian authorities to meet the legitimate

aspirations of the Syrian people."

____________________

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 تستنكر فيه تصاعد استخدام القوة الوحشية ضد المحتجين في سورية، وتطالب السلطات بتغيير مسارها والإفراج عن المعتقلين.