Spindelegger: "We must not leave the Syrian people alone in their fight for freedom"

Foreign Minister appeals to Russia and China to give up the blockade

Vienna, 7 February 2012 – "The veto and entailing blockade in the UN Security Council is bitter and a slap into the face of the opposition forces in Syria. Russia and China should live up to their responsibility as permanent members of the Security Council and support the comprehensive plan of the Arab League that maps out the cornerstones necessary to establish peace in the country", Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger said, expressing his disappointment about Russia's and China's veto on the draft resolution on Syria tabled by Morocco on the UN Security Council.

"We must no longer leave the Syrian people alone in their courageous fight for freedom and self-determination. President Assad will only concede, if he feels the pressure of the entire international community of states. Only then will there be a real chance for the bloodshed to find an end and for an orderly transition process towards democracy and rule of law to take place in Syria", Spindelegger said. The Vice Chancellor expressed his hope that the visit of Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Lavrov in Syria would make Russia change its opinion.

Concluding his statement, Spindelegger called upon the Syrian regime to stop the military action in Homs forthwith, to withdraw the army from the cities and villages and to make way for an orderly transition.

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