Brussels, 03/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 2 May, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton condemned the terrorist attack on the convoy of Syrian Prime Minister Wael Al-Halki in Damascus on 29 April, “which killed and maimed civilians”, Ashton's spokesperson stated in a press release. In addition, Ashton condemned the attack that took place the following day - also in Damascus - killing several civilians and wounding many others. Ashton “recalls that the EU has consistently condemned terrorist attacks of any nature, including any attacks that may endanger the civilian population”, her spokesperson added, stating that Ashton is “extremely worried about the increasing incidence of terrorist attacks, kidnappings and other violent acts”.
The spokesperson reiterated that “the only solution to bring the violence to an end” is “political dialogue between the different parties” and that “what it most urgently needed is national reconciliation”. “We must all give our continuing support and encouragement to promote a political process with both parties involved in the Syrian conflict”, Ashton's spokesperson added.
The Syrian prime minister escaped the attack unharmed on 29 April - although one of his bodyguards was killed, and another body guard and his chauffeur were seriously injured. On 30 April, an attack using a booby trapped car left at least 13 people dead and many wounded in Damascus, near the former headquarters of the ministry of the interior.
Brahimi could resign. According to diplomatic sources, the UN-Arab League special envoy for Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, could soon resign - even though diplomats are trying to keep him in his post. According to a diplomat from the United Nations Security Council, quoted by AFP, Brahimi wants to resign because he has the impression that the Arab League has taken a different route from that of the UN. Brahimi replaced Kofi Annan in August, after Annan, too, resigned. (CG/transl.fl)