The conflict in Syria began on 15 March 2011 and seven years later, on the same day, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini called on behalf of the European Union for peace in a statement that is a symbol of impotence.
"Today the conflict takes civilian lives every day despite the promises of de-escalation and countless calls by the international community to silence the guns", she said, pointing out that over seven years the conflict had killed more than 400,000 and displaced 11 million, while aid was needed by nearly19 million Syrians.
The EU28 say "saving lives in Ghouta and everywhere in Syria as well as protecting civilians must be paramount. Humanitarian needs exist across Syria but are especially critical in Eastern Ghouta, Idlib and Afrin right now. UNSC resolution 2401 is the international community's unanimous response to address the violence and deteriorating humanitarian situation throughout Syria, but it remains largely unobserved".
"The EU also expresses deep concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afrin following the Turkish military operation. The implementation of the UNSCR 2401 by all parties is necessary to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid and medical evacuation which are urgently needed across Syria, but particularly in Eastern Ghouta and Afrin", Mogherini stated, noting the EU's deep concern about the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Afrin following Turkey’s military operation. "We call again on Russia, Iran and Turkey to fulfil their obligations and responsibilities as Astana guarantors", she added.
EU foreign ministers will meet the UN special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, in Brussels on 19 March, and the Europeans have reiterated their support for his work and the Geneva process. "There can be no meaningful transition in Syria without justice and fair representation of all communities. We commend the constructive role played by the Syrian Negotiation Commission and its engagement in the process. We call on the regime to engage meaningfully in talks and on its backers to use their influence to ensure this", Mogherini said. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)