The foreign ministers of Italy, Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Greece, Slovakia and Slovenia have called on the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, to review the EU’s strategy for Syria.
“Our objective is a more realistic, proactive and effective Syria policy to increase our political influence, the effectiveness of our humanitarian aid and create the conditions necessary for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of Syrian refugees”, explained Austria’s Alexander Schallenberg and Italy’s Antonio Tajani in Il Messaggero on Monday 22 July.
“We must finally put Syria back on the EU agenda as an absolute priority. If we don’t, the consequences for the civilian population in Syria, the neighbouring countries in the region, the Mediterranean partners and, ultimately, Europe, will be disastrous”, they warned.
According to Mr Schallenberg and Mr Tajani, while there should be no compromise on the fundamental principles of democracy, inclusion, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, there is an urgent need to relaunch a “substantial and meaningful” dialogue between the leaders in Damascus and the opposition, within the framework of the UN political process. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)