From: Liz Lynne MEP

Sent: 06 November 2009 17:13

To: Ben Williams
Subject: Re:URGENT: EU Association Agreement with Syria, the release of political prisoners and the
unlawful detention of Dr Kamal Labwani

Dear Cllr Williams

Thank you for your email regarding the Euro-Mediterranean Association

Agreement with Syria. As a long time campaigner on Human Rights and all
forms of discrimination, I share your concerns for what is happening in the
region. I am aware of the case surrounding Dr Kamal al-Labwani and I have
expressed my concerns in the past over reports that persons and organisations
campaigning on human rights issues in countries around the world have been
subject to unfair trials and imprisonment and I will continue to highlight these
issues.

On the 27th October 2009 the EU Foreign Ministers adopted a decision

approving the signing of a Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement
withSyria. The reasons why a full signing of the agreement did not take place
are unclear at this present time. Any further information will be released by
the European Commission. Also any discussions relating to the Association
Agreement with Syria would take place in the Foreign Affairs committee in
the European Parliament of which I am not a member. Please be assured
though that I will continue to monitor this situation and I will forward to you any
information that I may receive.

I also intend to write to Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for

External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy to bring your concerns
to her attention. I will forward to you any response as soon as I receive one.

Kind regards,

Liz Lynne MEP