A military presence in Syria? explanations by Didier Reynders
(BRUSSELS2) “ The Syrian regime has obviously chosen the regime of barbarism ". For Didier Reynders, the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, it was clear yesterday, it is even clearer today with all the information that comes from the massacre of Houla, and people executed. Responding to a question from B2 during his visit to the Press Club Brussels Europe this evening, he also explained why the international community like the EU should " go further than the measures already taken or considered.
The Annan plan not respected, the sanctions not sufficient
« The European Union has already gone very far, first by withdrawing its ambassadors from Damascus, then by considering personae non gratae the Syrian ambassadors in European countries. We have also implemented sanctions (refusal of visas and financial sanctions). "" Now it is a question of other countries taking identical sanctions, I am thinking of the Arab League, but also, if possible, of the Security Council. " Corn " we can clearly see that the appointment of Kofi Annan was not enough. The six-point plan is not respected. Heavy weapons are not withdrawn.... We must go further. »
A United Nations military force, not a military intervention
« We are not asking for the same intervention as in Libya. We ask Russia and China to agree on a military presence, of the United Nations, to monitor the ceasefire, ensure the distribution of humanitarian aid, and protect the observers. This interposition force, a typical United Nations force, would be there to support the implementation of the Annan plan. Without a stronger presence on the ground to impose itself, to ensure the ceasefire, we will not move forward. »
NB: the Syrian opponents will be there tomorrow Thursday (May 31), at the Press Club Brussels Europe at 20 p.m., 95 rue Froissart, event supported by B2. george sabra, the spokesperson for the Syrian National Council (CNS), long imprisoned and figure of the opposition to the Assad regime, will be present. Register in advance: secretary@pressclub.be.
