Catherine Ashton on the announcement by the UN Secretary-General of the date for the Geneva 2 conference on Syria

Brussels, 26 November 2013

131126/03

STATEMENT

by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on

the announcement by the UN Secretary-General of the date for

the Geneva 2 conference on Syria

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

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

“I welcome the news that United Nations Secretary-General Ban-ki Moon has set the date of

22 January 2014 for the long awaited conference on Syria, the so-called Geneva 2 meeting.

On many occasions I have expressed my firm support for a political solution to the conflict in

Syria. The EU has been a strong supporter of Joint Special Representative Brahimi's efforts.

The EU has also been working to create conditions conducive to holding the conference

among all important stakeholders.

I strongly support the call of the UNSG that the eight weeks ahead of us should be used to

build up confidence among the parties through the cessation of violence, humanitarian

access, release of detainees and return of Syrian refugees and internally displaced people to

their homes. I also hope that both sides will soon designate representatives to the talks who

in a spirit of openness and responsibility for their country will work towards finding a way out

of this tragic conflict, and open a new chapter in Syria's history in line with the legitimate

aspirations of all Syrians to live in a country where peace, security and stability have been

restored.”

___________________

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]

Nabila Massrali +32 460 75 41 75 – [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter @eu_eeas

www.facebook.com/EuropeanExternalActionService

www.eeas.europa.eu

بيان الممثلة العليا كاثرين أشتون يرحب بتحديد الأمين العام للأمم المتحدة 22 كانون الثاني/ يناير 2014 موعدًا لمؤتمر جنيف 2 حول سورية، ويدعو إلى بناء الثقة قبله.