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Foreign Secretary: “President Assad’s speech today was disappointing and unconvincing"

The Foreign Secretary William Hague responds to President Assad's speech today.

• From: Foreign & Commonwealth Office and The Rt Hon William Hague
• Published: 20 June 2011

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Speaking today, Foreign Secretary William Hague said:

“President Assad’s speech today was disappointing and unconvincing. If President Assad is to restore any credibility the Syrian people need to see concrete action, not vague promises. We have been clear that rapid and real implementation of substantial reforms, addressing the legitimate demands of peaceful Syrian protesters, is what is urgently needed. There must also be an immediate end to violence by Syrian security forces, the release of all political prisoners, an end to the torture and abuse of those who remain in detention and access given to international humanitarian agencies.”

Published 20 June 2011