How the EU is encouraging Arab League efforts to resolve the crisis in Syria

The situation in Syria continues to shock and appal all those who see the images on our televisions or hear and read the testimonies of those affected by the Assad regime’s brutal repression of the Syrian people. Over 6,000 people people have died in the 11 months since the uprising in Syria began and it is clear that sustained and united international pressure is needed to resolve the crisis.

Last week two Western journalists were killed in Homs who had been reporting on the heavy shelling of civilians by the Syrian army. My thoughts are with their families and all those killed by the Syrian regime’s brutal repression of people who are seeking to obtain the same freedoms and dignity that we enjoy.

We expect the Syrian authorities to ensure the safe evacuation of British journalist Paul Conroy and we continue to make every effort to facilitate this.

The UK’s strong condemnation of the atrocities being committed by the Syrian regime against innocent civilians in Homs and throughout Syria is unanimously supported by EU Member States. We have worked closely with our EU partners to agree a new round of EU sanctions against President Assad’s regime, seeking to increase the economic pressure on those at the top and those directing the violence. At today’s meeting of EU Foreign ministers, the EU adopted a new round of sanctions and restrictive measures.

Our first goal is an immediate end to the violence and we support the Arab led efforts to achieve this and bring about a peaceful transition to a democratic and pluralist political system, determined by what the Syrian people want. Regional involvement and Arab League leadership are key to addressing this crisis. The outcome of the first Friends of Syria meeting in Tunis on 24 February, which was attended by over 60 countries and international organisations, is a significant step forward. We will continue to work closely in the international community to support the Syrian people.

You can read here the Foreign Secretary’s statement on the latest round of EU sanctions on Syria as well as the strong FAC Conclusions on Syria that Foreign Ministers agreed.