Catherine Ashton strongly condemns the death of French journalist Gilles Jacquier in the Syrian city of Homs

Brussels, 11 January 2012

A 7/12

EUROPEAN UNION

Statement by the spokesperson of the EU High Representative

Catherine Ashton on the French journalist

killed in Homs (Syria)

The spokesperson of High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and

Vice President of the Commission Catherine Ashton issued the following statement today:

"High Representative Catherine Ashton strongly condemns the death of France 2 reporter Gilles

Jacquier and of the other victims of the attack today in the Syrian city of Homs. She expresses her

condolences to the family of Mr. Jacquier and the families of all the victims of this terrible attack.

The High Representatives reiterates her call for an immediate end to violence in Syria. She

is concerned by the recent escalation of violence in the country. The High Representative calls

for a rapid investigation to clarify the circumstances leading to this tragedy. The Syrian authorities

have a responsibility to guarantee the safety of journalists in their country. The press must be

allowed to carry out its vital role of providing independent information on events in Syria without

fear of violence or repression."

____________________

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 المتحدث باسم الممثلة العليا كاثرين أشتون يدين بشدة مقتل الصحفي الفرنسي جيل جاكييه في حمص.