“I have decided to expel the Syrian ambassador in Berlin. Today, State Secretary Haber had the Syrian ambassador summoned to the Federal Foreign Office to inform him of this decision.
Germany is acting in concert with its partners. We are confident that our clear and firm message will not fall on deaf ears in Damascus.
The Syrian regime bears the responsibility for the horrifying events in Houla. Whoever disregards the resolutions of the Security Council and uses heavy weapons against their own people there or elsewhere in Syria must reckon with serious diplomatic and political consequences.
We will also urge the United Nations Security Council to again address the situation in Syria. The international community must use all available means to see that Kofi Annan’s peace plan is fully implemented.
Even before the events in Houla, it was clear that Syria does not have a future under Assad. He must leave to make way for a peaceful transition in Syria.”