Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton on behalf of the EU on EU action following the escalation of violent repression in Syria

EN

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 18 August 2011

13488/11

PRESSE 282

Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton on behalf

of the EU on EU action following the escalation of violent

repression in Syria

The EU condemns in the strongest terms the brutal campaign Bashar al-Assad and his

regime are waging against their own people. In recent weeks the Syrian leadership has

stepped up its violent crackdown against peaceful protesters and resorted to large-scale use

of military force in the cities of Hama, Deir al-Zour and Lattakia. This has led to the killing

or injury of many Syrian citizens. Further casualties and new refugees were reported after

the Palestinian camp of al-Ramal was attacked. These developments are unacceptable and

intolerable.

The EU has repeatedly emphasised that the brutal repression must be stopped, detained

protesters released, free access by international humanitarian and human rights

organizations and media allowed, and a genuine and inclusive national dialogue launched.

The Syrian leadership, however, has remained defiant to calls from the EU as well as the

broad international community including Syria's own neighbours. This shows that the

Syrian regime is unwilling to change. The President's promises of reform have lost all

credibility as reforms cannot succeed under permanent repression. The EU notes the

complete loss of Bashar al-Assad's legitimacy in the eyes of the Syrian people and the

necessity for him to step aside.

At the same time, the EU is proceeding to further action. We have been reaching out to our

partners in the region and calling for a Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council

on Syria. The addition of further names to the list of those targeted by the EU restrictive

measures is under preparation. Moreover, the EU is moving ahead with discussing further

restrictive measures that will broaden its sanctions against the Syrian regime. By these

efforts we continue to aim at assisting the Syrian people to achieve their legitimate

aspirations.

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بيان من الممثلة العليا كاثرين أشتون باسم الاتحاد الأوروبي يدين حملة الأسد الوحشية في حماة ودير الزور واللاذقية، ويعلن أن الأسد فقد شرعيته ويدعوه إلى التنحي، ويعلن العمل على توسيع العقوبات.