Syria - Catherine Ashton supports US and Russia call for international peace conference

EUROPEA, U,IO,

Brussels, 8 May 2013

A 247/13

Statement by EU High Representative, Catherine Ashton, on

the joint agreement by the US Secretary of State J. Kerry and

Russian Foreign Minister S. Lavrov to work towards

convening an international conference to find a political

solution to the conflict in 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 would like to express my full support to the joint call made by US Secretary of State John Kerry

and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to convene as soon as possible an international peace

conference on Syria as a follow up to the Geneva Conference of June 2012. I and the EU member

states have consistently supported the vision of a political settlement outlined in the Geneva

Communique. The conflict is so serious that it could have repercussions not only for Syria but for

the entire region. Only bringing the two sides to the negotiating table can kick off the political

process, notwithstanding differing views on the future of Assad and his regime.

I am ready to assist in any way possible and hope that the two sides will exercise maximum

flexibility so as to start the dialogue soon. I hope that the announcement will be the beginning of a

true peace process. It is imperative that the process is Syrian-led and that the interlocutors will be

truly empowered to implement on the ground whatever decisions will be made."

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P R E S S

FOR FURTHER DETAILS:

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

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

,abila Massrali +32 460 754 175 - +32 2 29 69218 - ,[email protected]

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بيان الممثلة العليا كاثرين أشتون يؤيد دعوة كيري ولافروف إلى عقد مؤتمر دولي للسلام حول سورية استكمالًا لمؤتمر جنيف 2012.