Catherine Ashton EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Speech on the latest developments in the Middle East & Syria European Parliament/Strasbourg 12 June 2012

European Commission

Catherine Ashton

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission

Speech on the latest developments in the Middle East & Syria

European Parliament/Strasbourg

12 June 2012

Honourable Members of the European Parliament,

We are all appalled by the sickening violence we continue to witness in Syria. Security forces and militias have bombarded cities with no regard for civilians. There have been massacres and point-blank killings. We have seen it last week in a village near Hama, and the week before in Houla, where security forces and militias killed men, women and children. Those responsible for these crimes must ultimately be held to account and we must do everything to stop the bloodshed.

We are at a critical moment. The situation is deteriorating day by day as the regime's behaviour reinforces the most radical elements on all sides. And yet, most ordinary Syrians long for a transition that avoids bloodshed and keeps the country together – respecting minorities. If the descent into further militarization continues, it will not only spell disaster for the people of Syria, but also the broader region, including Lebanon, where developments are extremely worrying.

As I discussed with Kofi Annan – over recent weeks and again on Friday – we must spare no effort to avoid a catastrophe. Assad has no place in the future of Syria. His regime fails to comply with its own commitments and everyday underlines its lack of legitimacy. The implementation of Annan's plan is not easy and some have questioned its viability. Yet, despite all the challenges, it remains today the best way forward.

We must act decisively to prevent further bloodshed while avoiding fuelling the flames of sectarian violence.

The only way forward now is to reinforce Kofi Annan's leverage with the Syrian Regime and make his Mission more effective. No other option has been able to gather any kind of international support. Kofi Annan – to whom I pay tribute for his extraordinary efforts in exceedingly difficult conditions – has the support and legitimacy of the international community (UN) and the Arab League. As SG Ban-Ki Moon told the General Assembly on Thursday: the Annan plan must remain the centre piece of our efforts. But that alone is not enough. We need to do much more to further isolate the regime, build real and operational international consensus, strengthen international sanctions and press the government towards compliance and transition.

As Kofi Annan himself has made very clear, all concerned, and in particular the Members of the UN Security Council and those who have influence on the Regime, Russia and China in particular, must unite and apply more effective pressure to find a solution.

That is why we need to agree on a roadmap that reinforces Annan and his plan. This should involve 3 key priorities: 1) a more effective contact group, including Russia and China, to coordinate support to Annan and exert influence on the Regime. I therefore welcome the idea of a "Contact group" of key actors on the Syrian crisis as announced by Kofi Annan last Thursday in the UNSC. The international community must show unity in this critical moment. 2) united action by the UNSC to add more robust and effective pressure, including the reinforcement of sanctions under Chapter VII; and 3) international consensus around a political process and transition.

With these priorities in mind, I have engaged with Kofi Annan and other leaders to seek a new consensus, including in Istanbul last week, where I attended a special meeting on Syria and at the recent EU-Russia Summit.

Work on the political process can not wait. It is crucial for the credibility of the international efforts and to show the Syrian people that there is a path leading to a better rather than a more fragmented Syria. But for this to happen, the opposition must finally come together and put its differences aside – new leadership is not enough. A stronger and more united opposition that represents a credible alternative for all Syrians is essential. We discussed on going efforts with Turkey and we are coordinating closely with the Arab League. We continue to meet the different factions and groups in the opposition. Now we are working on two seminars that will feed into the Arab League plans to organize a larger meeting.

In addition to our sanctions, diplomatic efforts, and support to the UNSMIS Mission which are highly appreciated by the UN, humanitarian assistance remains the top priority for the EU. Innocent civilians and children are paying the consequences of this crisis. I am working closely with Kristalina Georgieva to use all the tools and instruments to deliver our assistance.

The EU has already allocated over € 28 M to address the humanitarian needs inside Syria and in neighbouring countries. Now the Syrian Government must implement the agreed comprehensive humanitarian response plan without excuses and delays.

Last week the Commission approved the 23 million EUR special measure - that I had previously announced in this plenary - to support civil society within Syria and neighbouring countries hosting Syrian refugees.

During my visit to Istanbul last week, my Crisis Coordinator engaged with the Turkish authorities and visited the Camps at the border. I offered any further help Turkey may need. Turkey is doing a truly great job in dealing with Syrian refugees and they can count on our support.

We will continue to call for accountability and support UN efforts in this regard. This is something we owe to the victims. The UN is investigating the latest massacres and the Human Rights Council – with our full support - is setting up a Committee of Investigation.

While some Member states have decided to withdraw and expel Ambassadors, our Delegation in Damascus will remain open for as long as possible. This has been the request of many of you and, most importantly, of Syrians themselves. They are our ears, eyes and hands to help are needed there.

On the MEPP our objective remains the same. I have been very clear from the beginning of the Arab Awakening that developments in the region make the peace process and a negotiated solution even more urgent and important, not less. While we are all paying a lot of attention to the situation in Syria, Egypt and elsewhere, ending the conflict remains a top priority and a fundamental EU interest.

The EU and the Quartet continue efforts to facilitate contacts between the parties, to resume direct and substantive talks, in line with Quartet statements of 23 Sept and 11 April.

I would like to thank Jordan and in particular King Abdullah II and Minister of Foreign Affairs Judeh, for their good offices in fostering the conditions for the resumption of direct and substantive negotiations. The EU is committed to do everything possible to facilitate the process and the 14 May FAC conclusions demonstrated the strong and principled position of the EU.

I have welcomed the recent exchange of letters between the parties and PM Netanyahu's statement that the new Israeli government will try to advance “a responsible peace process”. We want the parties to build on positive exchanges to resume direct talks.

The EU remains unequivocally committed to the security of Israel, including with regard to vital threats in the region. We condemn all forms of violence against civilians, including rocket attacks from Gaza.

But the truth is that while the MEPP is not making the progress we all want the prospects for a two-state solution are being undermined by developments on the ground.

Proposals for new settlements around East Jerusalem, the lack of Palestinian involvement in area C, the growth of settlements in the West Bank, settler violence and the financial situation of the Palestinian Authority all threaten the viability of a two state solution.

EU Foreign Ministers at the last FAC expressed a clear and strong consensual position in our Conclusions, forging a common EU approach to developments on the ground. This was an important step forward. Insisting on the need to respect international and humanitarian law is absolutely consistent with our friendship with Israel.

Settlements remain the key and most serious concern. Only last week I deplored the Israeli Government plans to build over 800 additional settlement housing units. Settlement expansion must be condemned as they are illegal under international law and put current peace efforts at risk. I want to reiterate my call on the Israeli Government to exercise the highest sense of responsibility by reversing these decisions, in full respect of international law.

The EU will not recognise any changes to the pre-1967 lines, including with regard to Jerusalem, unless they are agreed by both parties. Plans for major settlement expansion around the city's southern flank risk cementing this and the prospect of Jerusalem as future capital of two states is further undermined.

As regards settlement products, EU Foreign Ministers underlined the need to work with the Commission to ensure EU legislation is implemented effectively and with as much transparency as possible.

The EU will follow up on the Council Conclusions, also seeking progress with regard to Area C for the benefit of the Palestinian population, a pressing issue that was the focus of our discussions at the last Ad Hoc Liaison Committee I hosted in Brussels. Let me be clear: development of Area C is critical to the viability of a future Palestinian state. Israel needs to help and facilitate this with concrete and pragmatic steps. We are also seriously concerned by recent and increasing incidents of settler violence which we all condemn.

The precarious state of the PA finances is an issue I have been engaged with from the beginning, working closely with Norwegian FM Store. I want to thank again the EP for its principled and constructive position with regard to the EU's Budget as I continue to urge countries in the region and others to share the burden and increase their support.

One last word on the humanitarian front. The most pressing situation is in Gaza, we cannot forget Gaza. I have visited three times since taking office and my message and our support are clear: all crossings into Gaza Strip must be opened as the best way of improving Gazans well being. Goods and people must move freely. On the political front I want to recognise signs of more concrete progress on reconciliation behind President Abbas.

I also want to stress once again that the EU's involvement in the region is also defined by its commitment to human rights which must be respected by both parties. The EU will continue to address these issues in the context of our bilateral relations, at all levels. I have been concerned recently at reports of PA restrictions on freedom of speech and have urged both sides to deal effectively with acts of incitement. The extensive use of administrative detention is a key concern we raise at every opportunity.

Let me finish by reiterating our stated policy: a negotiated two-state solution. A "one-state outcome" can not be the solution. PM Netanyahu reiterated last week his support for a 2 state solution. And I hope we see those strong words of his supported by action from both to move forward to a negotiated settlement for the people of Israel and the people of PA.

كلمة الممثلة العليا كاثرين أشتون أمام البرلمان الأوروبي حول تطورات الشرق الأوسط وسورية، تحذر من الانزلاق نحو العسكرة وتؤكد دعم انتقال سياسي يحافظ على وحدة البلاد ويحترم الأقليات.