Declaration by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on behalf of the EU on restrictive measures against Syria

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EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 9 May 2011

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Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the

European Union on restrictive measures against Syria

"The EU has decided to impose restrictive measures against Syria and persons responsible

for the violent repression against the civilian population in Syria.

These measures include an embargo on arms and equipment that may be used for internal

repression, as well as an asset freeze and a travel ban targeting a list of thirteen individuals.

The EU measures respond to the escalation of the Syrian authorities' violent crackdown,

including by military means, that has led to the killing, injury or arrest of Syrian citizens

for their participation in peaceful protests. This is clearly inconsistent with the universal

principles of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The aim of these measures is to achieve a change of policy by the Syrian leadership

without further delay. The EU urges Syria to put an immediate end to violence and swiftly

introduce genuine and comprehensive political reform, the only way to provide peace and

stability for Syria in the long term. Failing that, the EU will consider extending the

restrictive measures in light of the developments, including at the highest level of

leadership.

The EU calls again President Bashar Al-Assad to choose the path of reform and national

inclusive dialogue and avoid further bloodshed whilst the door remains open.

The EU Foreign Ministers will revert to the situation in Syria at their meeting later this

month."

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The Candidate Countries Croatia*, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*,

Montenegro* and Iceland+, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and

potential candidates Albania and Serbia, and the EFTA countries Liechtenstein and

Norway, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this declaration.

* Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Montenegro continue to be

part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

+

Iceland continues to be a member of the EFTA and of the European Economic Area.

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إعلان من الممثلة العليا باسم الاتحاد الأوروبي حول فرض العقوبات على سورية والمسؤولين عن القمع العنيف للمدنيين، ردًا على تصعيد سلطات النظام السوري حملتها بالجيش.