Statement by the spokesperson of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton following her meeting with the Syrian National Council

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 22 November 2011

A 466/11

Statement by the spokesperson of EU High Representative

Catherine Ashton following her meeting with

the Syrian National Council

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:

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

Vice President of the Commission, met today with representatives of the Syrian National Council.

The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts to engage with representative members of the opposition

who adhere to non violence and democratic values, as agreed by the Foreign Affairs Council on

14 November.

The High Representative reiterated her deep concern at the deteriorating situation in Syria,

stressed the EU's strong support to the Syrian people and condemned in the strongest terms the

ongoing brutal repression and widespread human rights violations. She welcomed the ongoing

efforts by the Syrian opposition to establish a united platform and to work for a shared vision for

the future of Syria and the transition to a democratic system.

She also highlighted the importance of an inclusive opposition political platform taking in all

religious and ethnic communities. She stressed the importance of the opposition maintaining a clear

commitment to a peaceful and non sectarian approach and welcomed the SNC's efforts in this

regard. The High Representative encouraged the SNC to continue to engage with the Arab League

to support its efforts towards a successful transition."

____________________

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 المتحدث باسم الممثلة العليا كاثرين أشتون بعد لقائها ممثلي المجلس الوطني السوري.