A/HRC/19/2 was in a position to accept recommendations allowing the access of international media, noting that it had already allowed more than 147 foreign media outlets to enter the country since the universal periodic review meeting in October 2011. 617. The delegation deplored the fact that terrorist acts had impeded the State’s ability to implement some recommendations, but noted that the Government would not renounce its responsibility to protect the Syrian people. 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Human Rights Council on the review outcome 618. Cuba highlighted the approval of a new Constitution with the support of 89 per cent of voters, which demonstrated the support of the people for the reform measures. One positive step was the creation of a commission to study the socioeconomic reality of the country, which reflected the priority given by the authorities to the well-being of its population. Cuba reiterated its opposition to foreign intervention. It also reiterated its confidence in the ability of the people and the Government to resolve their domestic problems without external interference, and called for full respect of the right of selfdetermination of this Arab nation. 619. Nicaragua noted the political will of the Syrian authorities to achieve national reconciliation. The Human Rights Council should cooperate and show solidarity with all States, without imposing measures that could not lead to an adequate solution. Selectivity should not become the spirit of the Council. Nicaragua appreciated the fact that the Syrian Arab Republic had made efforts to re-establish a democratic order. National dialogue had to take place without interference from abroad. Nicaragua also highlighted the political will demonstrated by the Government in receiving Kofi Annan, who could make a constructive contribution to the national dialogue. 620. Uruguay called on the Syrian Arab Republic to end the repression of its own people, arbitrary detention, extrajudicial executions and torture. It urged the State to allow a visit by the commission of inquiry created by the Human Rights Council. Uruguay called on the Syrian Arab Republic to release all prisoners of conscience and those arrested arbitrarily, and to end intimidation, persecution and arbitrary arrest. Recommendations on ending violent repression, initiating an open and inclusive national dialogue and launching a transparent investigation remained valid and necessary. Uruguay reiterated its recommendation that the Syrian Arab Republic should cease the de facto reinstatement of the death penalty. 621. Algeria noted that, in the current situation, the Human Rights Council was not only concerned with the review of the Syrian Arab Republic under the universal periodic review, but also with the resolutions and decisions taken at its special sessions and urgent debates on the country. Algeria asked what procedure should best be adopted to appropriately deal with this situation and to reconcile the two different tracks, while addressing the situation with the priority that it deserved. 622. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea commended the Syrian Arab Republic for its adoption of a new Constitution, which stipulated the principle of political plurality. It was concerned that the human rights efforts of the Syrian Arab Republic were being hampered by unilateral sanctions, which had had a negative impact on the Government’s efforts to provide basic services to the people. The support that armed groups had received from certain countries only served to encourage their violations of the right to life. It was important to fully respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Member States. Any development process could only be an outcome of Syrian-led policies, without any foreign intervention. 226 GE.13-14768