EU Condemns Killing of Syria Top Kurd in 'Strongest Terms'

The European Union's foreign policy chief on Saturday firmly condemned the murder of a Kurdish opposition leader in Syria, and reiterated concern over Damascus' repression of pro-democracy protests.

"The High Representative condemns in the strongest terms the murder" of 53-year-old Meshaal Tamo, assassinated on Friday by masked gunmen who stormed his house in northern Syria, a statement issued on behalf of Catherine Ashton said.

The statement said Tamo's death "follows other targeted assassinations in the past days, which are totally unacceptable.

"These appalling crimes further add to the EU's grave concern over the situation in Syria. All those responsible for and complicit in these crimes must be held accountable."

The statement said Ashton "deplores other recent incidents of violence, including the severe beating of opposition leader Riad Seif," and "condemns the brutal repression as well as all acts aimed at inciting inter-ethnic and inter-confessional conflict.

"She reiterates that all violence must stop to allow for a genuine, peaceful and democratic transition addressing the legitimate demands of the Syrian people."

The U.S. State Department said Friday that Assad's regime was escalating its tactics against the opposition with bold, daylight attacks on its leaders.

Spokeswoman Victoria Nuland also singled out the murder of Tamo and the beating of former MP Seif.