Syria/ Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton

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

“I am appalled by the reports of the brutal attacks by the Syrian armed forces in Homs. I condemn in the strongest terms these acts perpetrated by the Syrian regime against its own civilian population. The international community must speak with one voice, demanding an end to the bloodshed and urging Assad to step aside and allow a democratic transition.

Regional involvement and Arab League leadership, in particular its plan and resolution of 22 January, are key to addressing this crisis. I am in close contact with Secretary General Al Araby and I welcome the efforts of the Arab League to find a peaceful solution to the current crisis. Ahead of the important Arab League meeting on Sunday, I would like to reiterate my support for the Arab League’s efforts to stop the violence and bring a better future to the Syrian people. “