EU Backs Arab-U.N. Peacekeeping Mission in Syria

The European Union backed on Monday an Arab League call for a U.N. peacekeeping mission in Syria and urged the U.N. Security Council to act in order to stop the violence there.

"We welcome these bold decisions and the strong and clear commitment and leadership that the Arab League is taking to resolve the crisis in Syria," said Michael Mann, spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Asthon.

"The EU's first goal is an immediate cessation of killings and therefore we are very supportive of any initiative that can help achieve this objective, including a stronger Arab presence on the ground in cooperation with the U.N. to achieve a ceasefire and the end of violence," he said in a statement.

"We are constantly in contact with the secretary generals of the Arab League and the U.N. in order to discuss how this can be set in motion as soon as possible," Mann added.

The Arab League agreed Sunday to open contacts with Syria's opposition and ask the United Nations to form a joint peacekeeping force to the nation.

"The Arab League has made again a strong appeal to the U.N. Security Council," Mann said. "We renew our urgent calls on all members of the Security Council to be constructive and act with responsibility at this crucial moment."

The EU plans to adopt a new round of sanctions against President Bashar Assad's regime on February 27 and the bloc will also play a "very active part" in the international group of "Friends of Syria," he said.

Ashton will meet with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington later this week and will take part in the "Friends of Syria" meeting on February 24 in Tunisia.

She is in close contact with the heads of the United Nations, Arab League, Gulf Cooperation Council and Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.

The EU is also "in close contact with all opposition groups which respect human rights and want an inclusive, democratic transition."