Foreign Minister Urmas Paet: Estonia Condemns Continuing Violence and Repression in Syria

27.02.2012

No. 40-E

At the foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels, Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said that Estonia condemns all violence and repression and other human rights violations in Syria and calls on the country to follow the Arab League's plan for resolving the conflict.

Paet said that Estonia considers it to be very important that the Syrian authorities allow for humanitarian aid to be brought to those in need without any obstacles or delays.

Paet stated that Estonia recognises the Arab League's active work and central role in finding a political solution to the Syrian crisis. "The European Union must continue supporting the activities of the Arab League," he added.

Paet also noted that taking into consideration the severity of the situation, Estonia supports implementing additional economic sanctions against Syria.

"We support creating contacts with all parties of the Syrian opposition that abstain from violence, adhere to democratic values, and respect human rights," he stated.

The foreign ministers also discussed recent developments in Egypt. The Estonian foreign minister said that Egypt's new political powers should carry out the necessary reforms for developing society and that the European Union should be ready to help with this. "In relations with Egypt, the European Union must monitor the activities of the Egyptian authorities for democratising society, with special attention on human rights issues, including the rights of women and children," he stated.

Estonia also supports starting negotiations for a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with Egypt.

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

SPOKESPERSON'S OFFICE
+372 637 7654

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