Estonia Wants End to Violence in Libya and Syria

18.07.2011

At their meeting today in Brussels, the European Union foreign ministers planned their activities in Libya and evaluated the situation in Syria and Lebanon.

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that right now the protection of civilians in Libya, improving the humanitarian situation, and putting pressure on the Gadhafi regime to finish the civil war are all extremely important to the European Union.

The European Union foreign ministers condemn the human rights violations and crimes against humanity in Libya, calling on the parties to co-operate with the International Criminal Court, Paet stated. “During the transition period Estonia's sole partner for legitimate political communication is Libya’s National Transition Council,” he noted. “Equally important are the activities of the Libya Contact Group, whose goal is to support the people of Libya in their endeavours towards change and towards a unified, sovereign and democratic Libya,” Paet added.

The European Union foreign ministers sharply condemned violence and repression in Syria, where the situation is growing worse. “Estonia condemns the attacks on embassies in Damascus and will support the expansion of barricading measures if necessary,” said the foreign minister. He said that the Syrian authorities have not heeded the appeals from the international community to end violence against peaceful protesters, over which the European Union feels deep regret. “The violence should be ended immediately and reforms to the political process must be carried out that would take into consideration the demands of the Syrian people for a peaceful, actual, and irreversible transition to a free society,” stated Paet.

When the European Union's southern neighbours were discussed, Paet mentioned that forming a government of Lebanon after five months is an essential step in stabilising the country and the European Union will continue close co-operation with Lebanon in carrying out reforms. Currently the EU is waiting on progress from Egypt in practical issues such as preparations for elections and reforms.

 

Additional information:
Helen Ennok, press spokesperson, Estonia's Permanent Representation to the EU
+32 474 98 16 57