EU leaders urge Syrian opposition to unite and work for transition

Leaders of the 27-member European Union are to express their deep concern with the increasingly deteriorating situation in Syria in a statement expected to be issued on Friday at the end of their two-day meeting. The EU leaders in their draft text of their statgement endorse the additional sanction against the Syrian regime and its supporters. They fully support the efforts of UN-Arab League special envoy Lakhdar Brahimi in finding a political solution to the Syrian crisis and calls on all key actors to lend their support to his endeavours. "The EU is committed to working closely and comprehensively with international partners to ensure rapid support to Syria once transition takes place. The EU also commits to strengthening its support in building the capacity of civil society to participate in a future Syria," says the draft text, seen by KUNA. "All opposition groups should agree on a set of shared principles in order to achieve an inclusive, orderly and peaceful transition," stress the EU leaders. They strongly condemn the shelling by Syrian forces of Turkish territory and call on all to prevent escalation and on the Syrian authorities to fully respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all neighbouring countries. The EU leaders stress their "serious and deepening concerns over Iran's nuclear programme and welcome the recent resolution adopted by the IAEA Board of Governors". They say that Iran is acting in flagrant violation of its international obligations and refuses to cooperate fully with the IAEA. The EU summit endorses the conclusions and the adoption of the additional restrictive measures adopted by the EU foreign ministers on 15 October with the aim of achieving a serious and meaningful engagement from the Iranian regime. The EU leaders reaffirm the EU commitment to its dual track approach and fully support the efforts of the High Representative Catherine Ashton on behalf of the E3+3 to engage Iran in meaningful and constructive discussions. Moreover, they express serious concern over the continuing political, security and humanitarian crisis in Mali. "This situation poses an immediate threat to the Sahel region as well as to West and North Africa and to Europe. The EU is determined to provide comprehensive support to Mali, in close cooperation with international and regional partners. The EU will support Mali in its efforts to restore the rule of law and re-establish a fully sovereign democratic government with authority throughout Malian territory, says the draft text. "Furthermore, the EU will examine support for the envisaged international military force in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2071 and speed up planning of a possible military operation to help reorganise and train the Malian defence forces," it says. "The EU will maintain the option to adopt targeted restrictive measures against those involved in the armed groups in northern Mali and those hindering the return to constitutional order," it says.