Syria: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the situation

The European Union strongly condemns the violence that resulted in hundreds of victims last week in Southern Syria, and especially attacks reportedly perpetrated by several armed groups against civilians. We call for a transparent, credible and impartial investigation, and for all perpetrators of grave violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law to be held accountable and brought to justice – including with the support of relevant international mechanisms.

The ceasefire now in place must be fully respected. We urge all parties to immediately stop all acts of violence, to ensure the safety of civilians regardless of their ethnic or religious background, to protect civilian infrastructure including religious sites, and to take immediate steps to prevent any further incitement and sectarian discourse. The EU is supporting its partners in delivering critical humanitarian aid amid the ongoing emergency. We call on all parties, in particular the transitional authorities, to ensure urgent, safe and unrestricted humanitarian access for life-saving services such as health, water and food, as well as the protection of humanitarian personnel.

The EU urges all external actors without exception to fully respect Syria’s unity, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The EU condemns any unilateral foreign military actions and presence as well as attempts to undermine Syria’s stability and prospects for a peaceful transition, including through foreign information manipulation and interference.

Now is the time for dialogue and for advancing a truly inclusive and peaceful transition, which guarantees the human rights and fulfils the aspirations of all Syrians. Syria’s transitional authorities bear the responsibility to protect all Syrians without distinction, and to take necessary steps towards disarmament, demobilisation and the restructuring of national security forces in line with international norms and standards.

The EU continues to stand ready to assist in these endeavours and reiterates its support to a peaceful and inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition. In this context, we recall the EU’s recent lifting of restrictive measures as part of a gradual, reversible approach.