Council conclusions on Syria (19 November 2012)

COUNCIL OF

THE EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 19 November 2012

16392/12

COMAG 121

PESC 1408

COHAFA 143

SY 30

OUTCOME OF PROCEEDINGS

From:

Council

On:

19 November 2012

No. Prev. Doc.: 15922/12 COMAG 109 PESC 1344 COHAFA 135 SY 28

Subject:

Council conclusions on Syria

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

19 November 2012.

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EN

ANNEX

COUNCIL CONCLUSIONS ON SYRIA

1.

Recalling its previous Council conclusions, the EU is appalled by the deteriorating situation in

Syria. The EU remains deeply concerned by the spill-over effects of the Syrian crisis in

neighbouring countries in terms of security and stability. The EU remains committed to the

sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Syria. The EU reiterates its full support

to the efforts of the Joint Special Representative of the UN and the League of Arab States,

Lakhdar Brahimi in finding a political solution to the crisis. The EU continues to call on all

members of the UN Security Council to uphold their responsibilities.

2.

The EU welcomes the agreement reached on 11 November in the meeting of the Syrian

opposition groups gathered in Doha and in particular the formation of the National Coalition

for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces. The EU considers them legitimate

representatives of the aspirations of the Syrian people. This agreement represents a major step

towards the necessary unity of the Syrian opposition. The EU looks forward to this new

coalition continuing to work for full inclusiveness, subscribing to the principles of human

rights and democracy and engaging with all opposition groups and all sections of Syrian civil

society. The EU stands ready to support this new Coalition in these endeavours and its

relations with the international community. The EU encourages the Coalition to engage with

the UN/LAS Special Representative and to put forward its programme for a political

transition with a view to creating a credible alternative to the current regime.

3.

Bearing in mind the deteriorating humanitarian situation and the approaching winter, the EU

is committed to further increase its humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of all

affected population throughout Syria and refugees in neighbouring countries. The EU calls on

all donors to do the same. The EU reiterates the necessity for all parties to abide by

International Humanitarian Law and its demand for strict respect for the specific protection

provided to medical personnel and facilities under International Humanitarian Law.

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استنتاجات مجلس الشؤون الخارجية حول سورية (19 تشرين الثاني/ نوفمبر 2012)، ترحب بتشكيل الائتلاف الوطني السوري وتعتبره ممثلًا شرعيًا لتطلعات الشعب السوري، وتعبّر عن القلق من امتداد الأزمة.