Europeans still remain divided on Syria
(BRUSSELS2, European summit) Syria was the only major subject on the table of the Council of Heads of State and Government. And he came very late in the conversation. Only, late Monday morning for a few tens of minutes of conversation. Very short for a strategic discussion on what is still one of the main political dramas of the moment. If the "27" agree on the essentials, that is to say the condemnation of the regime, the cessation of violence, humanitarian access, the need for a democratic transition, the increase in sanctions , and details on bringing to justice those responsible for criminal acts (see: Syria: the 27 call on Russia and China to make an effort), they differ on a major point: the closure of embassies.
Security of embassies and rejection of the regime against protection of nationals and desire to maintain a point of dialogue
The United Kingdom had already announced yesterday that it would close its embassy and repatriate its staff. France announced it today, through Nicolas Sarkozy. And Belgium should do it at the end of the month; the ambassador who had been recalled for consultation is returning to Damascus, but with the objective of closing the embassy, which should be done by the end of the month at the latest. The challenge is not only to sanction the Syrian regime; there is a " real concern about security reports a diplomat from a member state. The fear of an Iranian scenario, with the blocking of the embassy or the taking of hostages by certain diplomats. According to information reaching B2, Germany and Austria also support this position. But other states - such as Cyprus or Romania - are more skeptical. Romanian President Basescu highlighted the large number of Romanian nationals still there, and the need to keep the embassy open. Several countries did not take part in this debate and observed a " polite silence to the Franco-British proposal. A diplomatic term for a lack of agreement. A point confirmed by a diplomat. This proposal has not met with great enthusiasm ».
