Catherine Ashton welcomes creation of the National Coalition for Opposition Forces and the Syrian Revolution

EUROPEA1 U1IO1

Brussels, 13 1ovember 2012

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Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton on the creation

of the 1ational Coalition for Opposition Forces

and the Syrian Revolution

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and VicePresident of the Commission issued the following statement today:

"I warmly welcome the agreement reached in Doha by the Syrian opposition representatives to

form an umbrella organisation, the ational Coalition for Opposition Forces and Syrian

Revolution. The EU has continuously called for the Syrian opposition to form an inclusive and

representative common platform and thanks Qatar and the League of Arab States for their

continued efforts.

I also congratulate Sheikh Mouaz Al-Khatib for his election as the President of this new coalition.

Mr Al-Khatib is known for being a true Syrian national figure committed to a new Syria, which

includes all components of Syrian society. I wish President AL-Khatib and the newly elected Vice

Presidents Riad Seif and Souhair Al-Atassi all the best in this immensely challenging task.

I look forward to this new coalition becoming fully functional and inclusive, subscribing to the

principles of human rights and democracy.

The EU remains committed to pursuing a Syrian-led political transition that would meet the

democratic aspirations of the Syrian people."

____________________

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 الممثلة العليا كاثرين أشتون يرحب بتشكيل الائتلاف الوطني لقوى الثورة والمعارضة السورية في الدوحة، ويشكر قطر وجامعة الدول العربية على جهودهما.