Bulgaria expects to host UN forum on Syria
27 February 2012 News
Bulgaria probably will host one of the meetings on the humanitarian aspects of the crisis in Syria in April, being co-organised by the United Nations, Foreign Minister Nickolay Mladenov said in Brussels where he was taking part in a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council.
Earlier today, the Council tightened the restrictive measures against the Syrian regime and adopted 10 conclusions that further increase the pressure on the regime in Damascus, a regime clearly responsible for indiscriminate repression of civilians.
A halt to the trade in gold, precious metals with the Central Bank of Syria, a ban on cargo aircraft landing at European airports, a freeze on the assets of the Syrian Central Bank in the EU, while seven ministries associated with violations of human rights are subjected to various types of bans.
“Today’s decisions include recognition by the EU of the Syrian National Council as the legal representatives of Syrians, who are fighting for the freedom of their country. This means that the EU is increasing its commitment to, and support for, the Syrian opposition,” Minister Mladenov said.
He said that the next “Friends of Syria” conference would be held in Turkey.
Serbia is to receive EU candidate member country status, Bulgaria’s Foreign Minister told journalists. He expressed satisfaction at the council’s decision, saying that it was “good for the entire region because it brings another of our neighbours towards membership of the Community and increases the chances and prospects for the development of EU – Kosovo relations. Minister Mladenov said that it was extremely important for Bulgaria that its neighbours progress towards the EU on the basis of all commitments in the political and legal criteria for membership – “these criteria in the main also include how the rights of citizens in the state are respected”. He said that Bulgaria would monitor the situation in Serbia closely, with an emphasis on minority issues and human rights.
The Council meetings continues with a discussion on the situation in Egypt, on the situation in Yemen, relations with the South Caucasus, the Middle East peace process, the EU co-chairmanship of the Mediterranean Union and the results of the London conference on Somalia.