Syria: Catherine Ashton strongly condemns the brutal massacre in the town of Bayda, Banyas region

EUROPEA1 U1IO1

Brussels, 4 May 2013

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Statement by the Spokesperson of EU High Representative

Catherine Ashton on the recent massacre in Bayda,

Banyas region, in Syria

The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and

Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:

"The High Representative condemns in the strongest terms the brutal massacre by the Syrian armed

forces and its militias in the town of Bayda, Banyas province, claiming the lives of dozens of people,

including women and children.

This heinous act shows the responsibility of the Syrian regime in instigating sectarian violence and

escalating the conflict. It is of outmost urgency that the regime responds to the repeated calls of the

EU and the international community to engage in negotiations for a political settlement of the

conflict.

The High Representative reiterates the EU's firm position that there will be no impunity for those

responsible for such crimes."

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P R E S S

FOR FURTHER DETAILS:

Michael Mann +32 498 999 780 - +32 2 299 97 80 - [email protected]

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

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

[email protected]

www.eeas.europa.eu

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بيان المتحدث باسم الممثلة العليا كاثرين أشتون يدين بأشد العبارات مجزرة البيضا في بانياس التي ارتكبتها قوات النظام السوري وميليشياتها، ويحمّل النظام مسؤولية إذكاء العنف الطائفي.