Catherine Ashton on the 3rd Anniversary of the Syrian uprising

Brussels, 15 March 2014

140315/01

STATEMENT

by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton

on the 3rd Anniversary of the Syrian uprising

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and

Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:

"The horrific conflict in Syria is entering its fourth year. With more than 100,000 dead, 2

million refugees and 9.3 million Syrians in need of humanitarian assistance, half of them

children, the tragedy in Syria has no parallel in recent history. The international community

has a responsibility to bring it to an end. The only solution to the crisis is a political one: the

establishment of a transitional governing body, and a genuine Syrian-led inclusive political

process to establish a democratic and pluralistic Syria.

The EU is particularly concerned at the plight of the most vulnerable groups. More than ten

thousand women have died in the conflict; 4.3 million children, most of them displaced from

their homes, are in desperate need of food, shelter and education. With support now

totalling more than €2.6 billion, the EU is the leading donor to the victims both inside and

outside Syria. We salute the people and governments of the countries neighbouring Syria for

hosting an ever-growing number of refugees. The EU will continue to support the host

communities in their efforts to cope with this situation. We call on all parties, especially the

Syrian government, which bears the primary responsibility for the humanitarian tragedy, to

swiftly fulfil all obligations imposed on them by UNSC resolution 2139, and calls for a robust

use of the review mechanism to enforce compliance.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS:

Michael Mann +32 498 999 780 - +32 2 584 9780- [email protected] @EUHighRepSpox

Maja Kocijancic +32 498 984 425 - +32 2 298 65 70 - [email protected] @AshtonSpox_Maja

Sebastien Brabant +32 460 75 09 98 - [email protected]

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I am extremely concerned by the findings of the international independent Commission of

Inquiry, whose seventh report confirmed the regime's indiscriminate use of murder, torture,

rape, hostage-taking, and sexual violence. These are crimes against humanity, war crimes

and blatant breaches of international human rights and humanitarian law. A crisis which

began with a vicious military crackdown against peaceful protesters has been exacerbated by

terrorism and a growing number of foreign fighters. War crimes committed by non-state

armed groups which do not seek a free, democratic and prosperous Syria are adding to the

ongoing tragedy of the Syrian people. There will be no impunity for such actions by any

parties to the conflict.

While there has been some progress on the destruction of chemical weapon materials, it is

vital that the Syrian regime complies with the 30 June 2014 deadline as specified in UNSC

resolution 2118.

I reiterate the EU's determination to seek a political settlement and to help the Syrian people.

The international community will continue to work together for a free, democratic and

peaceful Syria."

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بيان الممثلة العليا كاثرين أشتون في الذكرى الثالثة للانتفاضة السورية، يشير إلى أكثر من 100 ألف قتيل ومليوني لاجئ و9.3 ملايين محتاج، ويؤكد أن الحل سياسي عبر هيئة حكم انتقالية.