Brussels, 08/03/2016 (Agence Europe) - During a plenary session debate with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Defence Policy Federica Mogherini on Tuesday 8 March, MEPs stressed that, no matter how fragile it might be, the ceasefire in Syria could allow progress to be made in political negotiations. Inter-Syrian talks are due to resume on Wednesday 9 March.
“The ceasefire has come into force. This is very important as … it provides a glimmer of hope to which we must cling. It is far from perfect … but it is up to you to seize this opportunity to turn it into a credible political transition”, stated Cristian Dan Preda (Romania) for the EPP. His compatriot Victor Bostinaru, speaking for the S&D, said that, while the last ten days, since the ceasefire came into force, have been “crucial for the Syrians”, “peace talks have to be relaunched”. “There is no other alternative than a political solution. To bring this about, however, what is needed is commitment and an unwavering political will”, he added. “The ceasefire is fragile but it allows the international community to insist that the Geneva peace agreement is implemented. It is important that an inclusive government is put in place in Damascus”, added Charles Tannock (ECR, UK). Barbara Lochbihler (Germany) speaking for the Greens/EFA, said that “there will only be lasting peace once those responsible for violations are called to account”.
Tannock, like many of his colleagues, called on Russia to halt its attacks on civilians and on the moderate opposition. “Moscow has to realise that what it is doing will be closely scrutinised”, he said. Marietje Schaake (Netherlands), for ALDE, was tougher. “We need new sanctions (against Russia) because of the violence in Syria”, she argued, also calling on the EU to do more on the political dimension of the conflict.
Mogherini said she felt that the situation on the ground had “improved significantly” since the cessation of hostilities, stating that there had been no major armed intervention, though breaches of the ceasefire were happening “continuously”. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)