Deense minister Buitenlandse Zaken in debat met Europees Parlement over Syrië en VN mensenrechtenraad (en)

Today, the Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Villy Søvndal, participated in two debates of the European Parliament on Syria and the upcoming session of the UN Human Rights Council respectively, on behalf of the EU’s High Representative for foreign and security policy, Catherine Ashton. It was the first time the Minister for Foreign Affairs appeared in the plenary of the European Parliament during the Danish EU Presidency.

The debate of the Parliament on Syria took place in light of the double veto in the UN Security Council and the escalation of the situation in Syria. The UN General Assembly is currently debating a resolution on the situation in Syria. The Minister for Foreign Affairs made a statement on Syria, stressing that EU and partners, including the Arab League, will increase the pressure on the Syrian regime and reinforce co-operation with the Syrian opposition groups.

Villy Søvndal states:

”I am horrified by the escalating violence in Syria and the situation in the country is totally unacceptable. The International Community must put strong pressure on the Syrian regime. In the EU, we are doing our part by maintaining and increasing sanctions against Syria as long as the violence continues. The Security Council must take on its responsibility. EU’s message to Russia and China is clear: they should not be on the wrong side of history.

Today’s debate clearly demonstrates that the Parliament is engaged on this matter. I am very content that the Parliament supports the strong pressure against the Syrian regime and not least the emphasis put on the continued support and dialogue with the Syrian opposition. I welcome the strong leadership role taken by the Arab League in the Syrian crisis. The EU will continue to back the Arab League’s efforts to find a solution to the crisis.

The Syrian people are suffering. It is important that we find a way to deliver humanitarian aid - I hope that a meeting amongst the friends of Syria can bring us closer to that goal.”

In the following debate on the upcoming session of the Human Rights Council, Villy Søvndal underlined that the EU will ensure that the situation in Syria remains high on the agenda of the Human Rights Council. The EU will also continue efforts to uphold fundamental rights such as Freedom of Religion or Belief and the rights of the child.

In two weeks, the Minister for Foreign Affairs will go to Geneva, where he will speak at the 19th session of the UN Human Rights Council on behalf of the High Representative.