Syria - Council conclusions (Foreign Affairs Council, 18 July 2011)

COUNCIL OF

THE EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 18 July 2011

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OUTCOME OF PROCEEDINGS

From:

Foreign Affairs Council

On:

18 July 2011

No. Prev. Doc.: 12738/11 ;COMAG 91; PESC 940; COHAFA 77; SY 1

Subject:

Syria

- Council conclusions

Delegations will find attached the Council conclusions on Syria, as adopted by the Council on 18

July 2011.

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Council conclusions on Syria

1.

The EU deplores the fact that the Syrian leadership has chosen to ignore repeated calls made

by the international community and continues its policy of deliberate violent repression of

peaceful protestors. The EU reiterates its condemnation of this policy in the strongest terms.

The violence must be stopped immediately in order to prevent further bloodshed.

2.

In this context, the EU calls for a political process leading to rapid and concrete

implementation of substantial reforms, addressing the legitimate demands of Syrian people on

their way to a peaceful, genuine and irreversible transition to democracy.

3.

The EU salutes the determination and courage of the growing number of Syrian people who

continue to voice their legitimate aspirations by peaceful protests. They do so despite the

increasing number of casualties and reported cases of torture and other flagrant human rights

abuses, some of which have been alleged by independent sources to be crimes against

humanity. This must be subject to an independent, transparent and effective investigation, as

requested by the UNSG, and the perpetrators of such acts must be held to account. The EU

extends its sincere condolences to all victims and their families.

4.

The EU condemns the crackdown by the Syrian security forces in a number of cities, most

recently in Hama. The EU urges Syria's leadership to call off such security operations

immediately and refrain from the continued use of force against civilians.

5.

The EU recalls that President Al-Assad promised to launch a National Dialogue and notes that

the first meetings took place. However, the Syrian regime still has to fulfil all legitimate

demands to immediately stop violence and release prisoners as a prerequisite for a credible

national dialogue leading to genuine transition to democracy. The EU emphasises that, if a

dialogue is to be credible and genuine, it must be truly inclusive and conducted in an

environment without fear and intimidation. For a dialogue to be inclusive and meaningful, the

participation of the opposition with the full freedom of assembly is essential.

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6.

The EU further recalls that the Syrian government adopted reforms, notably the lifting of the

state of emergency and guaranteeing the right to peaceful protest, which have never been put

into practice. The EU reiterates that by choosing a path of repression instead of fulfilling its

own promises on broad reforms, the Syrian regime is calling its legitimacy into question. The

reforms should be fully implemented without delay.

7.

The EU strongly deplores the fact that despite the amnesties announced by the President

thousands are still held in detention. All prisoners of conscience and those arrested in

connection with peaceful protests should be released urgently. The EU calls on the Syrian

leadership to halt its far-reaching persecution, including arbitrary arrests, abuse of detainees in

custody and intimidations, to respect human rights, allow unhindered access by human rights

monitors, and cooperate with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

including by granting its mission access to Syria.

8.

The EU notes with extreme concern the deteriorating humanitarian situation of many Syrians.

Thousands of people continue to be displaced, including in the neighbouring countries, as a

result of the violence. Provision of basic goods and services has been interrupted repeatedly.

The Syrian authorities must ensure that no further interruptions occur. The EU stresses that

the Syrian authorities bear responsibility for the humanitarian situation of the Syrian people

and strongly urges them to allow safe and unhindered access by humanitarian agencies to all

affected areas.

9.

Noting that some limited access was given to international media, the EU urges the Syrian

authorities to allow independent and international media to operate in Syria without

restrictions. The Syrian people should not be deprived of access to free media, including the

Internet.

10.

The EU strongly condemns the attacks directed against diplomatic representations, including

of one of its Member States, and the totally inadequate response of the Syrian authorities. It

further reminds the authorities of their obligation to protect diplomatic representations in

Syria.

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11.

The situation continues to affect neighbouring countries and constitutes a threat to regional

peace, security and stability. Therefore, the EU persists in its efforts to ensure that the UN

Security Council assumes its responsibility in this respect, including by condemning the

ongoing violent repression. The EU acknowledges the efforts by Turkey and other regional

partners on the different aspects of the crisis, in particular the humanitarian aspects, and will

work with them to address the situation in Syria. The EU continues to stand ready to assist in

addressing the humanitarian implications of the crisis in the region.

12. Until the unacceptable violence against the civilian population is halted and decisive progress

achieved towards fulfilling the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people for a democratic

transition, the EU will pursue and carry forward its current policy, including through

sanctions targeted against those responsible for or associated with the violent repression.

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استنتاجات مجلس الشؤون الخارجية حول سورية، تأسف لتجاهل قيادة النظام السوري دعوات المجتمع الدولي، وتؤكد أن النظام يشكك في شرعيته بقمع شعبه، وتعلن مواصلة العقوبات.