Brussels, 15/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - In a common resolution adopted on Thursday 15 September, MEPs violently condemn the “escalating use of force against peaceful protestors in Syria” and the “brutal and systematic persecution of pro-democracy activists, human rights defenders and journalists”. They demand an immediate halt to the violent crackdowns, and express their deep concern about the serious human rights violations, stating their support for the people of Syria, who are “fighting for their rights”, and whose “courage and determination” must be commended.
The Parliament underlines that, by choosing to use repression rather than honour the promises of reform, the Syrian regime is bringing its legitimacy into question. It therefore calls on President Bashar al-Assad and his government to stand down immediately and refuses them all immunity. MEPs also call for an “independent, transparent and effective” investigation into killings, arrests, disappearances and torture by the Syrian security forces, in order to bring the perpetrators to account.
MEPs call for the immediate and non exclusive setting in place of an authentic political process to serve as a base for an irreversible, peaceful transition towards democracy, with the participation of all democratic political actors and civil society organisations. Their resolution invites Catherine Ashton, the Council and Commission to support the democratic opposition forces. MEPs also welcome the adoption of new restrictive measures by the Council, while underlining that new sanctions must hit the regime hard while having as little effect as possible on the people. The resolution also calls on the UN Security Council, and on China and Russia in particular, to condemn the use of deadly force by the regime and to set sanctions in place. (CG/transl.jl)