European Union leaders, who met on Monday in Brussels, did not only addressed Europe’s economic problems but also briefly discussed foreign policy issues.
"We endorsed the restrictive measures against Iran, including an oil embargo and financial sanctions, as decided by the Foreign Ministers last week, and we expressed our outrage at the atrocities and repression committed by the Syrian regime, and urged the members of the UN Security Council to take long overdue steps to bring an end to the repression," EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy declared at a press conference following the informal summit meeting.
In a statement, Van Rompuy voiced his "grave concern" at the situation in Syria. "I express my outrage over the continuing violence and repression against the Syrian people," he said.
He added that "a swift reaction by the UN Security Council is urgently needed."
"I urge all members of the UN Security Council to assume their responsibilities in relation to the situation in Syria, and adopt steps long overdue in order to bring an end to the repression in Syria."
"I take note of the Arab League's decision to suspend its observer mission to Syria in response to the worsening violence on the part of the Syrian authorities.The EU continues to support the efforts of the League of Arab States aimed at ending the violence in Syria and welcomes the decision of the League of Arab States to increase co-operation with the United Nations."
On Iran, the EU leaders endorsed the package of restrictive measures adopted by the Foreign Ministers against Iran in the energy, trade and financial sectors.
"These measures are not directed against the Iranian people. I call on Iran’s leadership immediately to suspend its sensitive nuclear activities and abide fully by its international obligations, as outlined by the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 January," Herman Van Rompuy said.
"The door is open to Iran to engage in serious and meaningful negotiations, and I confirm the EU’s commitment to continue to work for a diplomatic solution, in accordance with the dual-track approach."