Resolution on the situation in Syria, Yemen and Bahrain in the context of the situation in the Arab world and North Africa

The Council debated events in Syria and adopted conclusions on this issue. It reiterated its concern about the deteriorating situation and the widespread and systematic human rights violations. In response, the Council reinforced EU restrictive measures against the Syrian regime. It also called on President Assad to step aside immediately to allow for a peaceful and democratic transition.

The EU welcomes the League of Arab States' resolution of 22 January and its initiative to seek UNSC support for a political solution.

Deeply concerned by the Syrian authorities’ lack of cooperation, the Council urges them to fully comply with the League of Arab States’ Action Plan and their commitments undertaken in that respect, to completely stop acts of violence against civilians, free political detainees, remove troops, tanks and weapons from cities, and allow independent observers and the media, to freely travel in and report on Syria.

The EU will continue its policy of imposing additional measures against the regime, not to the civilian population, as long as repression continues. Following the assessment of EU Member States, the listing of designated persons who have dissociated themselves from the repressive policy of the regime will be reconsidered. The EU calls on the international community to join its efforts to target those responsible for or associated with the violent repression and those who support or benefit from the regime.

The EU reiterates its strong support to the Syrian people and encourages the Syrian opposition to make all efforts to strengthen coordination on the way forward in order to realise an orderly transition to a Syria that is democratic, stable, inclusive and that guarantees minority rights. It supports the efforts of the League of Arab States in this respect.

The EU welcomes the establishment by the UN Human Rights Council of a Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Syria and urges the Syrian Government to fully cooperate with the Rapporteur. The EU recalls the main findings of the report of the Independent Commission of Inquiry which stated that crimes against humanity may have been committed in the country. The EU looks forward to the next debate of the UN Human Rights Council on Syria on the 12 March 2012.