Catherine Ashton on the killing of Father Frans Van der Lugt, SJ in Homs, Syria

Brussels, 08 April 2014

140408/07

STATEMENT

by the Spokesperson of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton in

reference to the killing of Father Frans Van der Lugt, SJ in Homs, Syria

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:

"The High Representative has learned with great sadness about the death of Father Frans

Van der Lugt, who was assassinated inside the besieged area of Homs, Syria on 7 April 2014.

Father Frans chose to stay in the besieged part of the city to tend to the needs of Syrians

trapped there.

Father Frans was known by his complete commitment to assisting all those who turned to

him for help. His operation extended beyond the besieged center of the city and continues

to help hundreds of Homs civilians with their everyday survival needs.

From providing food and shelter to helping women and children live in dignity, Father Frans

has given the world the testimony of the most tragic situation that thousands of Syrians find

themselves in at the moment.

The High Representative is deeply concerned about the continuation of the dire situation for

the Syrian people with the increasing number of casualties and of persons in need of

humanitarian aid.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS:

Michael Mann +32 498 999 780 - +32 2 584 9780- [email protected] @EUHighRepSpox

Maja Kocijancic +32 498 984 425 - +32 2 298 65 70 - [email protected] @AshtonSpox_Maja

Sebastien Brabant +32 460 75 09 98 - [email protected]

Nabila Massrali +32 460 75 41 75 – [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter @eu_eeas

www.facebook.com/EuropeanExternalActionService

www.eeas.europa.eu

The High Representative reiterates that there is no other way to put an end to this tragedy

than engaging in a political settlement of the conflict through negotiations."

___________________

2|P a g e

بيان المتحدث باسم الممثلة العليا كاثرين أشتون حول مقتل الأب فرانس فان دير لوخت في حمص المحاصرة.