Statement by the High Representative Catherine Ashton on the situation in Syria

[UndertheOcean]

Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy/Commission Vice
President issued the following statement today:
“I am shocked at the latest reports from Syria that large numbers of civilians have again been killed
in a totally unjustified assault by Syrian security forces on the town of Hama, using tanks and other
heavy weapons against citizens exercising their right to peaceful protest.
This attack and the continuing crackdown in other Syrian cities is even more unacceptable coming
on the eve of the holy month of Ramadan.
The Syrian army and security forces have the duty to protect citizens, not to massacre them
indiscriminately. Those responsible for these attacks must be held accountable and brought to
justice.
These latest developments once again show the hollowness of the promises of reform made by the
government. The only way out of this crisis is through a genuine inclusive national dialogue with
the opposition.”
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http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/124095.pdf