Brussels, 17/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - As “the horrific conflict in Syria is entering its fourth year” and as the “tragedy (…) has no parallel in recent history”, already leaving 140,000 dead, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton has again called on the international community to take action.
“The international community has a responsibility to bring [the conflict] to an end. The only solution to the crisis is a political one: the establishment of a transitional governing body, and a genuine Syrian-led inclusive political process to establish a democratic and pluralistic Syria”, she stated in a press release, reiterating “the EU's determination to seek a political settlement and to help the Syrian people”.
Ashton also called on all parties, “especially the Syrian government, which bears the primary responsibility for the humanitarian tragedy”, to fulfil swiftly all obligations imposed on them by the United Nations Security Council resolution on access to humanitarian aid in Syria. She recalled that there are “9.3 million Syrians in need of humanitarian assistance”. Ashton also hailed the countries neighbouring Syria, which have taken in over 2 million Syrian refugees, and she stated that the EU will continue to support the host communities. Since the start of the conflict, the EU has brought support of over €2.6 billion to Syrians inside and outside Syria.
“Extremely concerned” by the findings of the international independent Commission of Inquiry, which highlights “the regime's indiscriminate use of murder, torture, rape, hostage-taking, and sexual violence”, Ashton stated that “these are crimes against humanity, war crimes and blatant breaches of international human rights and humanitarian law”. The war crimes committed by non-state armed groups which do not seek a free, democratic and prosperous Syria are adding to the ongoing tragedy of the Syrian people, Ashton added. She warned that “there will be no impunity for such actions by any parties to the conflict”.
Highlighting the progress on the destruction of chemical weapon materials, Ashton reiterated that it is “vital that the Syrian regime complies with the 30 June 2014 deadline”. (CG)