EU leaders welcomes UNIIIC report – EU press release/Non-UN document

COUNCIL OF

THE EUROPEAN UNION

London, 27 October 2005

(Presse)

SYRIA: STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENCY ON BEHALF

OF EU LEADERS MEETING AT HAMPTON COURT,

27 OCTOBER 2005

EU Leaders meeting at Hampton Court today welcomed the report of the UN International Investigation Commission under Judge Detlev Mehlis. The report’s conclusions are very serious. The Leaders welcomed agreement to extend the ICC’s mandate until December.  The Leaders expressed their full support for the UN Security Council’s determination to see justice done in this case, and deplored the clear indication that Syria has not cooperated fully with the investigating team. This is of particular concern given Judge Mehlis’ identification of evidence of Syrian involvement in the assassination of Rafik Hariri. The Leaders call upon Syria to cooperate unconditionally with the investigators as they continue their efforts to bring about justice in respect of these appalling crimes.

The Leaders underlined the importance of working to ensure the sovereignty of Lebanon, in recognition of its people’s clearly expressed aspirations for democracy and independence. The Leaders look forward to decisive action by the UN Security Council in support of these aims.