Europe hesitates to call for the defection of Syrian soldiers
(BRUSSELS2 to Luxembourg) The Foreign Ministers of the "27" did not today call on the military and members of the security forces to defect and join the ranks of the rebellion or abroad. At most, the European Union has hailed, through Catherine Ashton, the courage of those who have "defected " these days. " For us it is clear, it is important that those, who can have the choice, recognize that they have the responsibility to try (this) in the terrible circumstances that we know ". A lack of clarity that hides a certain embarrassment on the subject.
In fact, the question has been debated several times in working groups, as confirmed to us by a European diplomat. Some countries, the Dutch in particular, were in favor of this call for defections. But this discussion did not succeed. Several countries believe that this would be "unrealistic". Making this call could directly threaten people. Since in several cases the Syrian regime has carefully placed the "families"of its main officials in"security", in other words, took them hostage. Some Europeans fear two consequences: to launch an appeal which would thus receive little response, or conversely, to be obliged if the soldiers manage to cross the borders to welcome them in the name of right of asylum. Of course, everyone denies this last objection, but it seems to be present in some countries. We remember that, during the last crises, particularly in Libya, many countries were more than reluctant to accept such refugees, even if they might present all the characteristics of political refugees.
Despite everything, in front of the press, Laurent Fabius, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, reiterated his call on Friday: “ What is happening - with the latest defections - shows what state the regime is in. This kind of thing should be encouraged. France supports this position (the call for defection). »
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