Syrian Arab Republic: Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on Commission Inquiry's Report

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 28 November 2011

A 477/11

Statement by EU High Representative on the publication of

the report of the independent international commission of

inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic

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

Vice President of the European Commission, issued the following statement today:

"I welcome today's publication of the report of the independent International Commission of

Inquiry. I am gravely concerned by its alarming findings on violations of international human

rights law in Syria since March 2011.

The Commission of Inquiry has identified widespread and systemic violations of the human rights of

civilians by the state and its armed and security forces, based on numerous credible first hand

reports. The Commission of Inquiry concluded that members of the Syrian military and security

forces have committed crimes against humanity in 2011.

I condemn in the strongest terms the brutal repression by the government of Syria against its own

people, which has led to such appalling crimes. The EU has continuously pressed for strong action

at all UN bodies to put an end to violence and human rights violations in Syria.

I welcome the decision by the League of Arab States to impose a range of restrictive measures

against the Syrian government, in the face of continuing violence and human rights abuses, and

following the government's refusal to accept an observer mission of the League.

Given the gravity of the situation and the urgency for the international community to respond, the

EU is now calling for a Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council."

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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 +32 498 986 433 - [email protected]

[email protected]

www.eeas.europa.eu

EN

بيان الممثلة العليا كاثرين أشتون يرحب بنشر تقرير لجنة التحقيق الدولية المستقلة بشأن سورية ويعرب عن القلق البالغ من نتائجه حول الانتهاكات.