Brussels, 28/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - The EU has firmly condemned the brutal and unacceptable repression of anti-government demonstrators in Syria. It has called on the authorities in Damascus to listen to the legitimate demands of the people and provide a response to them. On Saturday 26 March, Catherine Ashton declared: “I strongly condemn the brutal repression, including the totally unacceptable use of violence and live ammunition, which must cease now.” The EU high representative said that she was “appalled” by the fact that “despite the latest announcement of improved political freedoms and restraint, violent repression of demonstrators has continued in several cities”. She urged the authorities to “meet the legitimate demands and aspirations of the people with dialogue and urgent political and socio-economic reforms. The state of emergency must be lifted and political prisoners and human rights defenders must be released without delay. Human rights and fundamental freedoms must be respected and protected by the authorities and security forces.” (H.B/transl.fl)