Brussels, 11/04/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Saturday 9 April, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton “strongly” condemned the continuing violence and deaths in Syria following the large-scale popular protest movement calling for freedom and democracy. “I sincerely regret the loss of life, particularly in the Southern city of Daraa, and extend my condolences to the families of the victims”, she said. “I urge in the strongest terms the Syrian authorities to immediately put an end to the violence”, she went on, emphasising “the responsibility of the state to protect all citizens and respect the right of peaceful protest and free speech”.
The Syrian people must be allowed to express their grievances without fear of intimidation, repression and arrest, Ashton said. She stated that announcements by the Syrian authorities of reforms must be “backed by credible action on the ground”. “Meaningful political reforms guaranteeing freedom of expression, fundamental rights and the rule of law must begin now”, she stressed. (F.B./transl.rt)