The situation in Syria continues to escalate. According to numerous reports, in the past few days alone dozens of protesters have been killed or injured.

Under these circumstances Syria’s Ambassador in Germany, Radwan Lutfi, was today again called to the Federal Foreign Office. It was clearly impressed on him that the German Government was extremely concerned about the massive assaults on peaceful protesters. The German Government also strongly urged Syria’s leaders to speedily introduce and follow through on credible reforms; violence and oppression had to stop immediately, Syria’s future needed to be built through dialogue and reform.

At the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting today ministers adopted conclusions along these same lines.