Australian Government condemns loss of life in Syria

Media release

Brisbane

23 April 2011

The Australian Government condemns in the strongest possible terms recent injuries and loss of life at the hands of security forces in Syria.

"The violence deployed against peaceful protestors is abhorrent and must end immediately," said Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd.

The Australian Government calls on the Government of Syria to respond to the legitimate demands of Syrians by implementing genuine political and economic reform without delay.

The right to peaceful protest must be respected.

The decision to lift the Emergency Law, in place for nearly 50 years, must be adhered to in all respects by security forces and the Syrian Government.

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