Brussels, 12/08/2002 (Agence Europe) - On 8 August, the Danish Presidency released the following statement on behalf of the EU. "The EU noted with satisfaction the early promises of political and economic reform in Syria immediately following President Bashsar Al-Assad's accession to office, but is concerned about the limited progress so far. The EU therefore invites the Syrian Government urgently to proceed with the reform efforts as initially envisaged. The ongoing dialogue between Syria and the EU includes matters pertaining to human rights and fundamental freedoms. The dialogue takes place, inter alia, on the basis of the mutually accepted principles on respect for human rights of the Barcelona Declaration, and will be reinforced by the future Association Agreement now being negotiated between Syria and the EU. Both parties have recognized that a respectful and continued dialogue is natural between partners and the EU appreciates the positive attitude by the Syrian side towards the ongoing dialogue. In the context of the human rights dialogue, the EU has on several occasions during the last few years voiced its concern to the Syrian Government on politically motivated arrests and trials of prominent members of civil society for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of speech. The EU deeply regrets the prison sentences passed recently against Riad el-Turk, Habib Saleh, Maamoun el-Homsi, Riad Seif, Aref Dalila, Walid al-Bunni and other individuals peacefully exercising their legitimate right to freedom of speech and urges Syria to release all political prisoners. The EU welcomes the fact that its diplomatic representatives were allowed to observe the civil court trial against the two Members of Parliament, Mr Riad Seif and Mr Maamoun el-Homsi, but regrets having been prevented from attending other trials taking place in the State Security Court. In the context of freedom of speech, the EU is also concerned about the continued worsening of working conditions of the regional and international media in Syria. The EU will continue to monitor the human rights situation in Syria, in particular in the context of a future Association Agreement. The EU calls on the Syrian Government to respect human rights, including the rule of law and freedom of expression, in accordance inter alia with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which both Syria and the Member States of the EU are parties. The EU looks forward to continuing the dialogue on human rights with the Syrian Government."