EU Council conclusions on Syria

The Council adopted the following conclusions: 

1.             "The European Union strongly supports the efforts of the League of Arab States (LAS) to bring about an end to the repression in Syria and provide protection to the civilians by deploying an observer mission on the ground. The EU welcomes the significant decision of the Arab League to impose sanctions against the Syrian regime due to its repeated failure to deliver on its promises and to its refusal to implement the Arab Plan of Action. The EU will continue to support the Arab League's efforts to restore peace and welcomes the commitment by the Arab League to engage with the UNSG to solve this crisis which represents a threat to regional stability. 

2.             The EU reiterates its condemnation in the strongest terms of the brutal crackdown by the Syrian government which risks taking Syria down a very dangerous path of violence, sectarian clashes and militarization. The EU salutes once more the unwavering courage of those in Syria who are protesting and their willingness to remain committed to non-violence. The EU reaffirms its support for the Syrian people, in their quest for dignity and freedom, to decide the future of their country through peaceful, democratic as well as non sectarian means. President Assad must step aside immediately to allow for a peaceful and democratic transition.  

3.             The EU is extremely worried about the deteriorating living conditions of the Syrian people in certain localities affected by the unrest, especially in the region of Homs. The Syrian authorities must immediately alleviate the suffering of the population living in these areas and must allow unhindered and sustained access to humanitarian agencies and workers and ensure the functioning of basic and health services.

4.             The EU welcomes the resolution on human rights in Syria approved on 22 November in the UN General Assembly's Third Committee and welcomes in particular the Arab support for its adoption. The resolution sends a strong signal of wide and united condemnation of the Syrian regime's systematic abuses and underlines international support for the Arab League. The EU welcomes the publication of the report of the independent international commission of enquiry on the violations of international human rights law in Syria since March 2011.The upcoming Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council on Syria, for which the EU has called, could also contribute to the international efforts to push the Syrian government to end the appalling violence against its population. The EU will continue to press for strong UN action to increase international pressure and urges all members of the UN Security Council to uphold their responsibilities to end the violence in Syria and support the Syrian people in their desire for greater freedoms and political rights. 

5.             The EU reiterates its strong support to the Syrian people and encourages the Syrian opposition to establish a united platform and to continue to engage with the Arab League towards a successful transition. The EU will continue to actively engage with representative members of the Syrian opposition which adhere to non violence, inclusiveness and democratic values. It welcomes the Syrian National Council's commitments in this regard.  

6.             In light of the continued repression in Syria, the EU has decided today to place further restrictive measures targeting the regime's ability to conduct its brutal repression. These new measures are related to the energy, financial, banking and trade sectors and include the listing of additional individuals and entities that are involved in the violence or directly supporting the regime. In line with the European Council Conclusions of 23 October, the EU will continue to impose additional and more comprehensive measures against the regime, not the civilian population, as long as the repression continues. The EU will continue to consult closely with the Arab League on this matter and calls on the international community to join its efforts and those of the Arab League to target those responsible for or associated with the violent repression and those who support or benefit from the regime. 

7.             As soon as President Assad steps aside and a genuine democratic transition begins, the EU is ready to develop a new and ambitious partnership with Syria across all areas of mutual interest, including by mobilizing assistance, and strengthening trade and economic links.

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• EU Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions on Iran, Syria, response to EU's Southern neighbours and more (1/12/2011)
• EU Council strengthens restrictive measures against Syrian regime (1/12/2011)
• Statement by EU HR Ashton on the independent international commission of inquiry report on Syrian Arab Republic (28/11/2011)
• Statement by the spokesperson of EU HR Ashton following her meeting with the Syrian National Council (22/11/2011)
• Statement by EU HR Ashton on Syrian government's agreement to Arab League proposals (3/11/2011)