Brussels  - The European Union on Thursday condemned Syria's decision to extend the jail sentence of dissident Kamal Labwani from 12 to 15 years.

The EU "condemns the recent decision" to extend Labwani's jail sentence for allegedly spreading information aimed at undermining national morale, a statement from the presidency of the EU's council of member states, currently held by Slovenia, said.

The decision "clearly violates the principles of the rule of law and contradicts Syria's international obligations and commitments," and the EU therefore "urgently calls upon the relevant Syrian authorities to lift this sentence and release Mr Labwani immediately," the statement said.

Labwani, a 51-year-old doctor and pro-democracy leader, was jailed a year ago on charges of contacting a foreign country and "encouraging attack against Syria" after meeting US officials.

The sentence was seen at the time as sending a defiant message to the United States at a time of heightened tensions over Syria's influence on events in Lebanon and the wider Middle East, and reinforcing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's grip on power.

The EU's message "avails of this opportunity to call on the Syrian government to reconsider all cases of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience" and "encourages the Syrian authorities to re-establish dialogue with Syrian civil society," the statement said. (dpa)