Hoge Vertegenwoordiger Ashton betreurt Syrische beschietingen op Turkse stad Akçakale (en)

Met dank overgenomen van Raad van de Europese Unie (Raad) i, gepubliceerd op donderdag 4 oktober 2012.

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 4 October 2012 A

Statement by EU i High Representative Catherine Ashton i following the shelling of the Turkish town of Akcakale

Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, made today the following statement:

"I strongly condemn yesterday's shelling by Syrian forces of the Turkish border town of Akgakale, which killed five and injured many more civilians. I am in contact with the Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to express our solidarity and our condolences to the families of the victims and to the Turkish people.

Yesterday's incident illustrates clearly the tragic spill-over effects of the Syrian crisis in neighbouring countries. I once again urge the Syrian authorities to put an immediate end to the violence andfully respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all neighbouring countries; such violations of Turkey's sovereignty cannot be tolerated.

I call for restraint from all sides and will continue to follow the situation extremely closely. "