Foreign Secretary responds to Syrian election result
5 Jun 2014 11:15 AM
Foreign Secretary
underlines Assad’s lack of legitimacy after election that was an insult
to Syrians calling for real political change.
Responding to news that the
regime had announced that Assad had been re-elected as Syrian president, the
Foreign Secretary William Hague said:
Assad lacked legitimacy before
this election, and he lacks it afterwards. This election bore no relation to
genuine democracy. It was held in the midst of civil war with millions
disenfranchised, denied access to basic humanitarian aid, and with all
opposition to Assad brutally suppressed. Holding an election in such
circumstances is just a way of sustaining his dictatorship, and is an insult to
the Syrians who have been calling for freedom and real political
change.
Assad has no plan for peace,
stability or reconstruction in Syria. His only formula is the killing and
starvation of his own people, the destruction of whole cities and the
displacement of millions. He is pushing Syria towards greater fragmentation and
further misery. There is a clear route for Assad to end the conflict in Syria,
he must engage with the UN sponsored Geneva process which calls for a
transitional governing body established with the mutual consent of both
sides.
The UK is increasing its support
to those seeking a genuine political settlement in Syria, including by backing
the moderate opposition and their vision for Syria of true democracy, pluralism
and respect for human rights.
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