Council conclusions on Syria (10 December 2012)

COUNCIL OF

THE EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 10 December 2012

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COHAFA 157

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OUTCOME OF PROCEEDINGS

From:

Council

On:

10 December 2012

No. Prev. Doc.: 16388/12 COMAG 120 PESC 1406 COHAFA 142 SY 29

Subject:

Council conclusions on Syria

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

10 December 2012.

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ANNEX

COUNCIL CONCLUSIONS ON SYRIA

1.

Recalling its previous Council Conclusions, the EU is appalled by the increasingly

deteriorating situation in Syria, primarily due to the unprecedented use of force by the regime.

The EU condemns the recent attacks on an UNDOF convoy in which four peace-keepers have

been wounded. It also condemns all attacks, including the recent terrorist acts, that

indiscriminately targeted civilians. The current situation is unsustainable and does not allow

for the adequate protection of civilians, in particular vulnerable groups and religious

communities. The EU is seriously concerned about the potential use and transfer of chemical

weapons in Syria and reminds the Syrian regime and other parties that, in case of their use,

those responsible will be held accountable. The EU remains deeply concerned by the spillover effects of the Syrian crisis in neighbouring countries. It remains committed to the

sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Syria.

2.

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

based on the principles included in the Geneva Communiqué of 30 June 2012. The EU takes

note of the proposals made by Brahimi in his briefing to the UN Security Council on

29 November 2012. The EU continues to call on all members of the UN Security Council to

uphold their responsibilities.

3.

The Council welcomes the opportunity it had today to exchange views with Moaz Al-Khatib,

President of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces which the

EU accepts as legitimate representatives of the Syrian people. The EU welcomes the efforts

made by the Coalition in its meeting in Cairo on 28 – 29 November to set up its structures and

to become more operational and inclusive. The EU encourages the Coalition to continue

working on these goals and to remain committed to the respect of the principles of human

rights, inclusivity, democracy and engaging with all opposition groups and all sections of

Syrian civil society. 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. The EU stands ready to continue

engaging with and to support the Coalition in these endeavours and its relations with the

international community at large.

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4.

The EU looks forward to the meeting of the Group of Friends of the Syrian People on

12 December in Marrakesh to maintain international pressure on the Syrian regime and

reaffirm its support to the Syrian people's aspirations for democracy.

5.

The EU reiterates its call on all parties to the conflict to facilitate humanitarian access and aid

delivery to the people in need, to ensure the neutrality of humanitarian aid and to abide by

International Humanitarian Law. It also reiterates its demand for the specific protection

provided to medical personnel and facilities. The EU urges all parties to guarantee the safe

passage and protection of civilians, especially of women and children that have been

displaced as a result of the violence. The EU supports the international humanitarian response

under the leadership and coordination of the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator. The EU

continues to support affected populations inside Syria and in neighbouring countries. The EU

is increasing its humanitarian assistance as the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate

dramatically. The EU calls on all other donors to further enhance their response to urgent

needs, focusing on lifesaving humanitarian operations and to enhance their efforts to meet

urgent humanitarian needs through increased humanitarian contributions, in coordination with

the UN and in line with humanitarian principles.

6.

The EU welcomes the adoption by the 3rd Committee of the UNGA of the Resolution on the

situation of human rights in Syria. The EU also denounces the recent limitations to the use of

telecommunications and Internet in Syria and considers of primary importance that

unhindered access to all media, including the Internet, is guaranteed.

The EU remains deeply concerned about the widespread and systematic violations of human

rights and international humanitarian law which, according to the Independent International

Commission of Inquiry, may amount to crimes against humanity and war crimes under the

Rome Statute of International Criminal Court. The EU recalls that all those responsible for

such crimes must be held accountable and that there should be no impunity for such violations

and abuses. The EU has repeatedly stated that, if concerns about war crimes and crimes

against humanity are not adequately addressed on a national level, the International Criminal

Court should deal with the situation. The United Nations Security Council can refer the

situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court at any time. The EU calls on the United

Nations Security Council to urgently address the situation in Syria in all aspects, including

this issue.

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7.

The EU reiterates its support in strengthening the capacity of civil society organisations and

stresses their importance for the building of the future democratic Syria.

The EU also acknowledges the importance of supporting local civilian structures throughout

Syria.

8.

The EU will continue working closely and comprehensively with international partners on

planning to ensure the international community is ready to provide rapid support to Syria once

transition takes place. As soon as a genuine democratic transition begins, the EU stands ready

to develop a new and ambitious partnership with Syria across all areas of mutual interest.

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استنتاجات مجلس الشؤون الخارجية حول سورية (10 كانون الأول/ ديسمبر 2012)، تحمّل النظام مسؤولية تدهور الوضع، وترحب بالائتلاف الوطني السوري ممثلًا شرعيًا للشعب السوري، وتحذر من استخدام الأسلحة الكيميائية.