Syria – Council conclusions (27 February 2012)

COUNCIL OF

THE EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 27 February 2012

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OUTCOME OF PROCEEDINGS

From:

Council

On:

27 February 2012

No. Prev. Doc.: 6938/12 COMAG 15 PESC 237 COHAFA 18 SY 6

Subject:

Syria

– Council conclusions

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

27 February 2012.

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COUNCIL CONCLUSIONS ON SYRIA

1.

The European Union is increasingly appalled by the unfolding situation in Syria, where the

regime continues its ruthless campaign of repression against the civilian population and its

systematic and widespread violation of human rights. The EU is particularly concerned by the

reports of the brutal attacks by the Syrian armed forces in Homs and deplores the numerous

civilian fatalities. The EU underlines that those responsible for the violence across Syria will

be held accountable for their actions. The EU reiterates once more its call for an immediate

end to violence. We call on President Assad to end immediately the killing of civilians,

withdraw the Syrian army from besieged towns and cities and step aside in order to make

room for a peaceful transition for the sake of the country.

2.

The EU condemns all killings of unarmed civilians, including three journalists in the city of

Homs. It reiterates that the Syrian authorities have a responsibility to guarantee the safety of

journalists in their country. The press must be allowed unimpeded access to carry out its vital

role of providing independent information on the events in Syria without fear of violence or

repression.

3.

The EU reiterates its strong concerns for the deteriorating living conditions of the civilian

Syrian people in the areas affected by the unrest. The Syrian authorities must immediately

alleviate the suffering of the population, respect and protect the wounded and sick, guarantee

unhindered access to the medical care without any discrimination or reprisal and refrain from

intimidation of those providing medical assistance. The EU calls on the Syrian Government

and all parties to fully respect the impartiality and independence of humanitarian

organisations and workers. The EU strongly condemns the illegal attacks against medical staff

and installations carrying the symbols of the Red Crescent. The Syrian authorities must

immediately cease all violence. They must also allow full and unimpeded access of relief

personnel from humanitarian organisations for the timely delivery of humanitarian aid to

people in need of assistance. The EU welcomes the efforts made by neighbouring countries to

host Syrian refugees who fled violence in Syria. The European Union will continue to assist

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in providing them with dignified living conditions. The EU welcomes the intention of the

Emergency Relief Coordinator, Valerie Amos, to visit Syria to engage with all parties to

allow impartial access for humanitarian assistance and the creation of the Syrian

Humanitarian Forum.

4.

The EU welcomes the holding of the first meeting of the Group of Friends of the Syrian

people which took place in Tunis on 24 February and the outcome as reflected in the Chair's

conclusions, which aimed at reinforcing an international consensus on Syria and putting

forward urgent proposals to stop the violence, alleviate the suffering of the Syrian population,

seek a peaceful outcome to the current crisis and promote a new era of democratic change. in

Syria and affirmed its goal of a political solution to the crisis that meets the aspirations of the

Syrian people for dignity, freedom, peace, reform, democracy, prosperity and stability.

The EU will remain in close contact with the League of Arab States, the United Nations, the

Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation, the Gulf Cooperation Council and other regional

organisations with the aim of providing a forum for coordinating their action on Syria in

support of the League of Arab States' initiatives with regard to the Syrian crisis. The EU

welcomes the appointment of former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, as the Joint Special

Envoy of the United Nations and League of Arab States on the Syrian crisis. The EU will

support his efforts to bring an end to all violence and human rights violations and promoting a

peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis.

5.

The EU supports the Syrian opposition in its struggle for freedom, dignity and democracy.

The EU stands ready to step up its engagement with all representative members of Syrian

opposition which adhere to non violence, inclusiveness and democratic values as they make

progress to form a broad and inclusive platform. The EU recognises the Syrian National

Council as a legitimate representative of Syrians seeking peaceful democratic change. The EU

urges the Syrian opposition to set up a representative coordination mechanism under the

auspices of the Arab League and to agree on a set of shared principles for working towards an

orderly and peaceful transition to a Syria that is democratic, stable and guarantees minority

rights, and where all citizens enjoy equal rights regardless of their affiliations, ethnicities or

beliefs.

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6.

The European Union deeply regrets that the United Nations Security Council was unable to

support the call of the League of Arab States for an inclusive, Syrian-led political process

conducted in an environment free from fear and violence. The EU calls once more on all

members of the UNSC to assume their responsibilities. The time has come for the

international community to speak with one voice and demand an end to the bloodshed and

speak out for a democratic future for Syria.

7.

The European Union welcomes the resolution on Syria adopted by an overwhelming majority

in the UN General Assembly on 16 February and co-sponsored by all EU Member States,

which condemns the Syrian regime’s activities and violations of human rights and calls for an

immediate end of violence. The EU looks forward to the next debate of the UN Human Rights

Council on Syria on 12 March 2012 as well as to discussions in the high level segment of the

UNHRC session on the week of the 27 February. The EU is appalled by the main findings of

the report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria which states that

crimes against humanity and other gross violations of human rights have been committed in

the country. The EU reaffirms that there should be no impunity for the perpetrators of such

alleged crimes.

8.

The EU welcomes the important decisions taken by the League of Arab States on 12 February

to increase the international pressure on the Syrian regime as well as the strong commitment

and leadership that the League of Arab States is taking to resolve the crisis in Syria. The EU

recalls its support to the League of Arab States’ efforts to end the cycle of violence in Syria

and is ready to provide further support.

9.

Given the Syrian regime’s continued use of violence against civilians, the EU approved today

further sanctions against the Syrian regime, imposing an asset freeze on the Syrian Central

Bank, banning transactions of gold and other precious metals, banning cargo flights operated

by Syrian carriers and designating seven Ministers of the Syrian government to be subject to

restrictive measures. The EU will continue its policy of imposing additional measures

targeting the regime, not the civilian population, as long as repression continues. The EU calls

on the international community to join its efforts to target those responsible for or associated

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with the violent repression and those who support or benefit from the regime. The EU

welcomes the decision of the League of Arab States to increase economic pressure on the

Syrian regime and stands ready to support the League of Arab States in the area of sanctions

and restrictive measures. The EU welcomes the commitment of the participants of the Friends

of Syria Group to take steps to apply and enforce restrictive measures and sanctions on the

Syrian regime and its supporters.

10.

The EU reaffirms its support to the Syrian people and their aspirations for a democratic Syria

which is open, pluralistic and respectful of the rights of all its communities. As soon as a

genuine democratic transition begins, the EU is ready to develop a new and ambitious

partnership with Syria across all areas of mutual interest, including by mobilizing assistance,

strengthening trade and economic relations and supporting transitional justice and the political

transition.

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استنتاجات مجلس الشؤون الخارجية حول سورية (27 شباط/ فبراير 2012)، تدين حملة القمع الوحشية، وترحب بتأسيس مجموعة أصدقاء الشعب السوري، وتعترف بالمجلس الوطني السوري ممثلًا شرعيًا للسوريين الساعين إلى التغيير، وتعلن عقوبات إضافية.