Syria has seen several days of demonstrations calling for greater democratic empowerment and denouncing corruption. There have been violent clashes which have resulted in injury and death, particularly in the town of Deraa.

Federal Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle issued the following statement today (19 March):

“I am greatly concerned to see this news of demonstrations in Syria being violently put down. We condemn any use of violence against peaceful demonstrators, and we expect fundamental human and civil rights and the principles of the rule of law to be respected and protected.

All the political forces involved, especially the Government, must act responsibly and seek dialogue in order to avoid the situation escalating further.”