Leading MEPs condemn the resurgence of violence in Syria and the killing of civilians

The return to peace in the region passes through a transition in Syria that ensures the protection of all Syrians, say MEPs in a joint statement.

Following last week´s reports about attacks against civilians including pillaging and summary executions of numerous persons in Syria, the Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs, David McAllister (EPP, DE), the Chair of the European Parliament’s Sub-committee on Human Rights, Mounir Satouri (Greens/EFA, FR), the Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with the Mashreq countries, Laurent Castillo (EPP, FR), and the Standing Rapporteur for Syria, Nathalie Loiseau (Renew, FR), issued this statement:

“We have followed with extreme concern the many reports of clashes in the coastal areas of Syria over the last week and the alarming accounts of attacks against civilians, particularly in Alawite and Christian communities. The alleged sectarian nature of these attacks, which include pillaging and summary executions exceeding a thousand casualties overall, undermine Syria’s path towards peace and reconciliation.

We endorse the statement by the EEAS spokesperson that civilians have to be protected in all circumstances in full respect of international humanitarian law, and call on all armed groups and individuals to immediately cease all violence against civilians.

We take note of Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s statement that the authorities will hold accountable, firmly and without leniency, anyone who was involved in the killing of civilians. We call for these principles to be upheld for all perpetrators, regardless of political or sectarian affiliations, by setting up an independent impartial investigation and granting access to the affected areas to international investigators.

The European Parliament is holding a debate in Strasbourg this evening, Tuesday 11 March, and adopting a resolution tomorrow on the need for EU support towards a just transition and reconstruction in Syria. As outlined by the UN OHCHR, this recent resurgence of violence demonstrates the urgent need for a thorough transitional justice process that is victim-centred and inclusive, and focused on truth, justice and accountability.

We reiterate that all components of Syrian society and of all geographic areas, that is to say all religious and ethnic communities, women, civil society, peaceful opposition forces, must be guaranteed protection and safeguard from persecution, violence and discrimination. We also reiterate the European Parliament's support for Syria’s stability, territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence and we call on all external actors to respect these principles. The return to peace in the region passes through a transition in Syria that fulfils the democratic aspirations of all its people and ensures the protection of all Syrians.

Syria needs to continue and step up its efforts to allow its people to live in dignity and peace”.