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

This is a crisis that continues to shock and appal the international community. The UN estimates that more than 10,000 lives have been lost since March last year. The Assad regime continues to ignore its obligations under the six-point peace plan of the UN and Arab League joint special envoy, Kofi Annan. The Senate will recall that the essence of the peace plan is a ceasefire and a political dialogue. Syria's downing three days ago of a Turkish military aircraft reinforces the regime's willingness to provoke the international community. It is imperative that we intensify pressure on Damascus to stop a slow descent into civil war.

Australia continues to urge the UN Security Council to consider chapter VII action and impose international legally binding sanctions. Until this can be agreed by the Security Council, countries like Australia must do all we can through autonomous means. This week I announced a significant expansion of Australia's sanctions. These measures will restrict dealings with Syria's oil and petroleum and with the financial sectors, restrict trade in luxury goods, precious metals and gems, and restrict trade in equipment intended for monitoring or intercepting communications. We already impose an arms embargo. We also have financial and travel sanctions against 106 individuals and 28 entities. We plan to add further names to this list.

The European Union has overnight expanded its own sanctions including by adding new individuals and entities and the banning of insurance for arms shipments to Syria. The United States also has a robust set of measures in place. When I met the President of the Syrian National Council, Abdulbaset Sieda, I underlined Australia's commitment to the Syrian people. (Time expired)