Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the situation in Syria

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 8 July 2011

A 272/11

Statement by the High Representative Catherine Ashton on

the situation in Syria

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

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

“I strongly condemn the continued brutal crackdown against peaceful protesters, including by

means of large-scale deployments of the Syrian military, in the city of Hama and elsewhere. This

path of repression and violence discredits the promises by the Syrian leadership and its legitimacy

and commitment to reform. Violent repression and dialogue are incompatible.

I want to stress again that a genuine national dialogue must be fully inclusive and take place

without fear and intimidation. The opposition must play a key role in such a dialogue.

The Syrian government must also allow access without delay to independent observers,

international media and humanitarian agencies.”

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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]

[email protected]

www.eeas.europa.eu

EN

بيان الممثلة العليا كاثرين أشتون يدين بشدة استمرار القمع الوحشي للمحتجين السلميين ونشر جيش النظام السوري في حماة ومدن أخرى.