Catherine Ashton statement on the adoption of the UNSC resolution on Syrian chemical weapons

Brussels, 28 September 2013

130928/01

STATEMENT

by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the adoption of the

United Nations Security Council resolution on Syrian chemical

weapons

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 warmly welcome today's UNSC resolution as it represents a major step towards a

sustainable and unified international response to the crisis in Syria. It follows on from the

important decision taken by the OPCW Executive Council in The Hague.

This decision should pave the way to the elimination of chemical weapons in Syria, and set a

standard for the international community in responding to threats posed by weapons of

mass destruction. The legally binding and enforceable resolution condemns the attacks of 21

August and calls for accountability for this crime and envisages a forceful international

reaction in the event of non-compliance. The EU reiterates its readiness to support actions

foreseen under the resolution as well as under the decision of the OPCW Executive Council.

We must not lose sight of the most important goal: ending the violence and heading towards

a peaceful and democratic transition in Syria. In this respect, I am particularly pleased that

the UNSC resolution contains a very clear endorsement of the Geneva agreement reached on

the 30 June 2012 and calls for the convening of the follow up conference as soon as possible.

In the meantime we also need to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the most vulnerable

populations in Syria and that access is granted to humanitarian aid agencies."

___________________

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]

www.facebook.com/EuropeanExternalActionService

www.eeas.europa.eu

بيان الممثلة العليا كاثرين أشتون يرحب بقرار مجلس الأمن بشأن الأسلحة الكيميائية السورية بوصفه خطوة نحو إزالتها ونحو رد دولي موحد على الأزمة.