Statements made by the Minisry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson (Paris, January 7, 2013)

 

Syria – Bashar al-Assad speech (January 6, 2013)
Bahrain
– Confirmation of the sentences imposed on 13 protest leaders (January 7, 2013)

 

Syria – Bashar al-Assad speech (January 6, 2013)

Bashar al-Assad’s comments again reflect the denial of reality into which he has retreated in order to justify the crackdown against the Syrian people.

Bashar al-Assad’s departure remains a key prerequisite for the political transition, as reaffirmed by the Syrian National Coalition.

These statements, which come shortly after the publication by the UN of a report highlighting the abuses committed by his clan, do not fool anyone.

 

Bahrain – Confirmation of the sentences imposed on 13 protest leaders (January 7, 2013)

We regret the decisions of Bahrain’s highest appeal court confirming the harsh sentences imposed on 13 opposition leaders last year. We had hoped for a lenient ruling likely to create a climate of reconciliation between all parties.

We reaffirm our deep attachment to the freedom of opinion and expression as well as to the right to demonstrate peacefully. We call on the Bahraini authorities to give priority to the appeasement measures, in line with the recommendations of the Bassiouni report.