EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 19 March 2012 A 131/12

Statement by the Spokesperson of the EU High Representative on the violence in Syria

The Spokesperson of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, Catherine Ashton, made the following statement today: "The High Representative condemns unreservedly the bomb explosions in Damascus on 17 March and in Aleppo on 18 March which killed at least 29 and injured over 130 people. She extends her sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, and to all the people of Syria. The EU condemns all acts of terrorism. There is no justification for the indiscriminate killing and maiming of innocent civilians, under any circumstances. The High Representative is following with great concern reports of heavy gunfire which broke out last night in the Mezze district of Damascus. These tragic events underline the urgency to stop the spiral of violence in Syria and to protect the lives of Syrian citizens. The High Representative urges the Syrian authorities to fully cooperate with the mission of Kofi Annan." ____________________

P R E S S
FOR FURTHER DETAILS:

Michael Mann +32 498 999 780 - +32 2 299 97 80 - Michael.Mann@eeas.europa.eu Maja Kocijancic +32 498 984 425 - +32 2 298 65 70 - Maja.Kocijancic@ec.europa.eu Sebastien Brabant +32 498 986 433 - Sebastien.Brabant@ec.europa.eu
COMM-SPP-HRVP-ASHTON@ec.europa.eu

www.eeas.europa.eu

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