Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2010-09-09-Speech-4-236"
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"en.20100909.16.4-236"2
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"Madam President, the recent wave of arrests and verdicts against human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists and Kurds is of grave concern to the European Union.
Three significant cases have captured the EU’s attention recently: those of Mr Muhammad al-Hasani and Mr Haythan Al-Maleh – many have referred to them today, not least to Mr Al-Maleh – and also of Mr Ali Abdullah, a writer who was re-arrested in June after having completed his sentence.
The European Union has taken a number of actions. These cases have been raised – including by the High Representative – with the Syrian authorities at the appropriate levels. The EU has insisted that the very fragile health condition of the 80-year old Mr Al-Maleh be taken into account on humanitarian grounds. Démarches were made in the utmost discretion to start with but, in the absence of any response from the authorities, the High Representative issued a statement on 27 July recalling Syria’s commitments under international law and urging the release of political prisoners.
Despite the lack of a positive response so far, EU actions must – and will – continue. The EU is working on different fronts in parallel to advance human rights in Syria. The EU and Member State delegations in Damascus will continue to monitor the situation and observe the trials. Mr al-Hasani and Mr Al-Maleh have filed appeals.
Support for human rights defenders and their families and lawyers will be pursued. At the same time, respect for human rights must remain a recurring issue in any EU dialogue with the Syrian authorities, at all levels.
Mrs De Keyser asked about the status of the association agreement. Syria is still withholding its reply to the EU’s invitation to sign this agreement, which has been pending since October 2009. Syria indicates that the assessment of its political and economic impact is not yet finalised. The agreement will undeniably bring several benefits to both parties but, for the European Union, it is also the best way to establish a regular and frank political dialogue with Syria, including on human rights issues.
Advancing EU assistance on human rights and democracy is another important avenue. Projects in the pipeline include modernising the judiciary and strengthening the capacity of Syrian civil society."@en1
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