The Syrian National Council (SNC) welcomed the recognition as the legitimate representative of Syrians by the European Union (EU) and applauds EU's continued support for the demands of the Syrian people. EU's foreign ministers said during a meeting in Brussels on Monday February 27, 2012 that they are increasingly appalled by the Syrian regime's ruthless campaign of repression against civilians. The 27 EU foreign ministers also froze the assets of seven Assad regime officials and the Central Bank of Syria. Additional sanctions ban cargo flights from the EU, and prohibit the purchase of gold, precious metals, and diamonds from Syria.

SNC President, Dr. Burhan Ghalioun, said, "We welcome the EU's position and statements. The formal recognition of the SNC enables us to take yet another step forward during this difficult time. We call on all other Syrian opposition groups to work with the SNC to align our missions and principles. We must never forget that we, as Syrians, have one common objective: to overthrow the criminal Assad regime and rebuild a democratic, civil Syria."

The SNC lately adopted more concrete steps to reflect the voice of Syrians, including stepping up calls for international intervention to assure humanitarian relief for those trapped in Syria. Ghalioun added, "We are using every political and diplomatic means to assure swift and concrete action including the support for the Free Syrian Army. Formal recognition of the SNC by the EU gives us added momentum."

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