As Syrian tanks and troops move into the town of Banyias to suppress the freedom protest movement with military force Liberals and Democrats have been participating in the first European/Arab Liberal Conference in Cairo on 5th to 7th May. At the conference liberals from all over the Arab world were present including representatives of parties that were involved in several revolutions and representatives from countries where demonstrations are still ongoing. Among the many topics discussed has been the worrying situation in Syria.
Guy Verhofstadt, President of the Liberal and Democrat group in the European Parliament said:
“Everyone present at the Conference in Cairo, Europeans and Arabs, agreed on the fact that urgent action is needed on Syria. The European Parliament is due to debate the achievements of the European External Action Service next Wednesday in Strasbourg with special focus on current developments in Syria. The HR/VP Catherine Ashton should obtain agreement from the Council by then on at least the following four important points:
- Impose a comprehensive arms embargo on Syria
- Freeze the assets of at least the Assad family
- Impose a travel ban at least on the Assad family
- Declare that for the EU no-one in the Assad family will ever be considered representative of the Syrian people and will be held accountable for their crimes.
The time for delay and hesitation is over. We expect a clear and unequivocal message from the High Representative before the debate on Wednesday.”
Marielle de Sarnez (Modem, France), ALDE vice president and spokesperson on relations with Egypt said “EU Foreign ministers and Heads of State should convene urgently to establish a common position and set of responses to these Arab democracy revolutions and especially Syria at the moment as human lives are being lost every day we delay our response.”
Edward McMillan-Scott (Lib Dem, UK): “What is happening in Syria is a major humanitarian disaster. Hundreds of people are being killed and thousands more rounded up and arrested simply because they oppose the regime in Damascus and are asking for freedom, democracy and justice. The body ultimately responsible for these crimes is the government. The least we should be doing is isolating the Assad family as soon as possible”.
