“In reaction to the horrors in Houla, a strong and unequivocal message to the regime in Damascus was needed”. This was how Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi explained the decision to expel the Syrian Ambassador to Rome, a decision announced simultaneously by Italy, France, Great Britain, Germany and Spain.
“We are deeply dissatisfied”, continued Terzi, “over the Syrian Government’s failure to apply the Annan Plan. The violence must cease immediately and completely. All points envisaged by the joint Arab League United Nations plan must be observed, starting with free and unconditional access for humanitarian organisations”.
