Ashton blij met VN-resolutie tegen Syrië (en)

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 2 December 2011 A

Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the outcome of the special session of the Human Rights Council

on Syria

Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, made the following statement today:

"Today's Resolution by the UN Human Rights Council sends a strong message to the Syrian Government to stop the brutality against its own people. It is a clear signal to the Syrian people that the international community supports them. We called for this Special Session because of the blatant breaches of international law by the Syrian authorities, which were highlighted by the International Commission of Inquiry.

This EU initiative, supported by Arab states and countries across the world, demonstrates that we do not accept Syria's persistent failure to comply with its international obligations. The resolution, adopted by an overwhelming majority, takes our action to a higher level. It calls for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to be present in Syria. It demands that the Commission of Inquiry have access to the country. And it proposes a mandate for a Special Rapporteur to monitor the situation. The measures adopted today are crucial to ensure the protection of human rights in Syria. As long as the repression goes on, we shall continue to press for strong UN action to ensure the safety and protection of the Syrian people."