Brussels, 03/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - “Deeply concerned” at the ongoing fighting in the town of Qusayr (Syria) since 19 May, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton demanded, on 1 June, “that all parties ensure urgent and safe access to relevant government organisations to ensure the evacuation of the wounded and civilians, and to reach those in need”. She stated that the fighting has already claimed hundreds of victims and left many civilians in “an extremely critical situation”. Ashton recalled the responsibility, “in particular that of the government,” to protect civilians. Earlier in the day, United Nations Secretary General Ban ki-Moon, called on the fighters to let civilians leave the town. According to the UN, there could be up to 1,500 wounded people requiring urgent evacuation.
Ashton is “appalled” by the level of violence in and around the town, her spokesperson stated, saying that “there will be no impunity for the perpetrators”.
Reiterating the “urgent need for a political solution to the conflict”, Ashton re-asserts that “the EU will spare no effort in helping to create the appropriate conditions for a successful convening of the peace conference on Syria”. A meeting with the UN, the USA and Russia is scheduled for 5 June to prepare for this conference. However, according to the French minister for foreign affairs, Laurent Fabius, this “last chance conference” will take place in July, and not in June, because the timeframe is “too short”.
Al-Nusra designated as a terrorist organisation. On 31 May, the United Nations Security Council added the jihadist front, al-Nusra, to its list of terrorist organisations. Al-Nusra will be subject to sanctions due to its links with al-Quaida. It is now subject to an assets freeze and visa ban, and to an arms embargo at international level. (CG/transl.fl)