Hoge Vertegenwoordiger Catherine Ashton blij met oprichting Nationale Coalitie voor Oppositietroepen in de Syrische Revolutie (en)

Met dank overgenomen van Raad van de Europese Unie (Raad) i, gepubliceerd op dinsdag 13 november 2012.

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 13 November 2012 A

Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton i on the creation of the National Coalition for Opposition Forces and the Syrian Revolution

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission issued the following statement today:

"I warmly welcome the agreement reached in Doha by the Syrian opposition representatives to form an umbrella organisation, the National Coalition for Opposition Forces and Syrian Revolution. The EU has continuously called for the Syrian opposition to form an inclusive and representative common platform and thanks Qatar and the League of Arab States for their continued efforts.

I also congratulate Sheikh Mouaz Al-Khatib for his election as the President of this new coalition. Mr Al-Khatib is known for being a true Syrian national figure committed to a new Syria, which includes all components of Syrian society. I wish President AL-Khatib and the newly elected Vice Presidents Riad Seifand Souhair Al-Atassi all the best in this immensely challenging task.

I look forward to this new coalition becoming fully functional and inclusive, subscribing to the principles of human rights and democracy.

The EU remains committed to pursuing a Syrian-led political transition that would meet the democratic aspirations of the Syrian people. "