Bob Carr (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

The first point to make is that we have been among the first in calling for President Assad to step down. He is a president without legitimacy, without credibility and with no future in Syria. We have repeatedly strengthened our sanctions against Syria's regime. Australia now lists 109 individuals and 40 entities connected to the violence in Syria subject to our sanctions. We will continue to consult our friends in the international community on placing additional pressure.

Australia has been at the fore of supporting action in the UN, in the General Assembly on 19 December and 16 February and in the Human Rights Council on 29 April, 23 August, 2 December and 1 March. Overwhelmingly, the UN General Assembly has twice condemned the violence in Syria. Australia has co-sponsored both resolutions. Overwhelmingly, the Human Rights Council has expressed its outrage. Australia has co-sponsored all four resolutions on Syria. (Time expired)