and Remarks by the High Representative Catherine Ashton at the
end of the Foreign Affairs Council,
Council conclusions on Bahrain
3082nd FOREIGN AFFAIRS Council meeting
Luxembourg, 12 April 2011
The Council adopted the following conclusions:
“The Council reiterates its serious concern at the situation in Bahrain, and the lack of any tangible progress towards dialogue which should address the legitimate concerns of all Bahraini people.
and Remarks by the High Representative Catherine Ashton at the
end of the Foreign Affairs Council,
Council conclusions on Bahrain
3082nd FOREIGN AFFAIRS Council meeting
Luxembourg, 12 April 2011
The Council adopted the following conclusions:
“The Council reiterates its serious concern at the situation in Bahrain, and the lack of any tangible progress towards dialogue which should address the legitimate concerns of all Bahraini people.
The Council is equally concerned at the arrest of those who exercise their legitimate right to freedom of expression. Persons who have been detained for peacefully expressing themselves should be released immediately. The Government and security forces have a clear duty to respect fully the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons, without discrimination, as well as upholding international standards in this regard. The Council encourages the authorities to further
investigate all recent events which have resulted in loss of life and injuries.
The Council calls on all parties rapidly to take concrete and meaningful steps enabling the start of a constructive dialogue that will lead to real reforms.”
Remarks by the High Representative Catherine Ashton at the
end of the Foreign Affairs Council
12 April 2011, Luxembourg
Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, made today the following remarks:
Syria, Bahrain and Yemen
Council has also adopted strong conclusions on Syria, Bahrain and Yemen.
The situation in each of these countries is of course different, but in all three, we have seen the use of violence by the security forces against peaceful demonstrators, which has resulted in several deaths.
The authorities must exercise restraint.
Those arrested in connection with peaceful demonstrations must be released immediately.
The authorities should investigate the deaths of protestors and bring those responsible to account.
We call on the Syrian authorities to lift the state of emergency without delay.
There has to be a clear and credible programme of political reform and a concrete timetable for its introduction.
In Bahrain, we all remain concerned at the lack of any tangible progress towards real dialogue.
In Yemen, we urge President Saleh to take concrete steps to allow a credible and peaceful political transition.
Sources:
Council conclusions on Bahrain
Remarks by the High Representative Catherine Ashton at the end of the Foreign Affairs Council