Catherine Ashton appalled by reports of brutal attacks by Syrian armed forces in Homs

Brussels, 10 February 2012

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EUROPEAN UNION

Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on

Syria

Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

and Vice-President of the Commission made today the following statement:

"I am appalled by the reports of the brutal attacks by the Syrian armed forces in Homs. I condemn

in the strongest terms these acts perpetrated by the Syrian regime against its own civilian

population. The international community must speak with one voice, demanding an end to the

bloodshed and urging Assad to step aside and allow a democratic transition.

Regional involvement and Arab League leadership, in particular its plan and resolution of 22

January, are key to addressing this crisis. I am in close contact with Secretary General Al Araby

and I welcome the efforts of the Arab League to find a peaceful solution to the current crisis. Ahead

of the important Arab League meeting on Sunday, I would like to reiterate my support for the Arab

League's efforts to stop the violence and bring a better future to 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]

[email protected]

www.eeas.europa.eu

EN

بيان الممثلة العليا كاثرين أشتون يدين بأشد العبارات الهجمات الوحشية للقوات السورية على حمص، ويدعو الأسد إلى التنحي والسماح بانتقال ديمقراطي.