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 the latest developments in Syria and the outcome of the "Friends of Syria" conference held on 24 February in Tunis.

The EU is particularly concerned by the reports of the brutal attacks by the Syrian armed forces in Homs and deplores the numerous civilian fatalities. It calls on President Assad to end immediately the killing of civilians, withdraw the Syrian army from besieged towns and cities and step aside in order to make room for a peaceful transition for the sake of the country. In this respect, the EU recognises the Syrian National Council as a legitimate representative of Syrians seeking peaceful democratic change.

Given the Syrian regime's continued use of violence against civilians, the Council reinforced restrictive measures against the Syrian regime. It also partially suspended the application of the Cooperation Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Syrian Arab Republic.

The European Union deeply regrets that the United Nations Security Council was unable to support the call of the League of Arab States for an inclusive, Syrian-led political process conducted in an environment free from fear and violence. The EU calls once more on all members of the UNSC to assume their responsibilities.

The EU will remain in close contact with the League of Arab States, the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Gulf Cooperation Council and other regional organisations with the aim of providing a forum for coordinating their action on Syria in support of the League of Arab States' initiatives with regard to the Syrian crisis. The EU will support his efforts to bring an end to all violence and human rights violations and promoting a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis.