Brussels, 12/09/2013 (Agence Europe) - In a joint resolution adopted on 12 September, MEPs call for a clear, strong, targeted and common response from the international community to the use of chemical weapons in Syria.
Condemning “with the greatest strength the massacre of civilians by chemical weapons on 21 August 2013” and stating that different sources “seem to indicate that the Syrian regime is responsible”, the Parliament considers that, “in the face of this blatant use of chemical weapons, the international community cannot remain inactive”. “The proven use of chemical weapons (…) constitutes a blatant violation of international law, a war crime and a crime against humanity, which calls for a clear, strong, targeted and joint response, without excluding possible measures of dissuasion, so as to show clearly that such crimes are unacceptable and so as to avoid all further use of chemical weapons”, MEPs add. They call for the report of the United Nations investigators into the use of chemical weapons to be sent “as soon as possible” to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) so that “it can debate the massacre in Syria on the basis of the conclusions of the investigation and assess the measures that must be adopted as a result (…) and bring it about that those responsible answer for their acts” (our translation throughout).
In favour of a binding resolution, with the threat of Chapter 7. The Parliament also welcomes the Russian proposal to put the chemical weapons of the Syrian regime under international control “as quickly as possible”, following the ultimatum given by the international community, accompanied by a binding UNSC resolution - a solution which, if not respected, will have to be imposed on the basis of all the instruments provided for in the United Nations Charter. In the view of the MEPs, all the instruments available, and especially Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, authorising the use of force if obligations are not respected, are therefore envisaged.
The Parliament calls for a political solution, asking Russia and China in particular to face up to their responsibilities and to facilitate agreement on a common position and a diplomatic solution to the Syrian crisis, without excluding the possibility for the United Nations General Assembly to take up the issue in the case of blockage at the UNSC. MEPs call again on the UNSC to appeal to the International Criminal Court.
The Parliament is also of the opinion that the EU, which is already the biggest provider of funds, should increase its aid to the Syrian refugees, and it calls on all the parties to facilitate the provision of aid and humanitarian assistance. (CG/transl.fl)