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Foreign Secretary warns Assad regime against assault on Homs

Foreign Secretary William Hague comments on hearing the reports that the Assad regime may be preparing a land assault on Homs.

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

Foreign Secretary William Hague said:

“I am appalled by reports that the Assad regime is preparing a full-scale land assault on the people of Homs.

“I urge it to stop any such plans and instead allow immediate and unhindered access to the humanitarian agencies who are ready to deliver vital assistance to those affected by the violence in all parts of the city.

“I call on those Syrians who are being ordered to attack their fellow citizens to make a choice and to lay down their arms. Those who do not do so will be held to account for their actions.

“Britain will continue to do all it can to bring the greatest possible pressure to bear on the Assad regime until it ceases the violence and repression which is doomed to fail. We will work with the Arab league to ensure a Syrian-led political transition that brings an end to this terrible crisis”.

Published 29 February 2012