Brussels, 30/04/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 27 April, Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, called on “all parties in Syria to cease immediately all forms of violence”. In a statement, Ashton said that she was extremely concerned about the continued violence in Syria, in violation of the ceasefire which should have come into effect on 12 April and despite the presence on the ground of UN observers.
She pointed out: “It is crucial that all efforts are made to expedite the deployment of the UN observation mission to Syria.” She reiterated the EU's and member states' readiness to provide support if it is requested to guarantee the success of the observer mission.
Regime must respect its obligations. The EU high representative urged “once more the Syrian authorities to fully respect the terms of the agreement with the UN and immediately and fully comply with Kofi Annan's plan”. She believes that it is “clear” that the Syrian government is not fulfilling its obligations and is failing to meet its commitments to withdraw its troops and heavy weapons from population centres. It should therefore ensure that the ceasefire holds, prisoners are released (according to Ashton the number of people detained has significantly increased since the ceasefire), provide access for journalists, ensure the freedom to demonstrate peacefully and allow humanitarian aid. (CG/transl.fl)