European Union Condemns Violence in Southern Syria

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaya Kallas, expressed her strong condemnation of the acts of violence that took place in As-Suwayda, southern Syria, last week, which “resulted in hundreds of casualties, especially attacks carried out by armed groups against civilians.”

In a statement released today, Thursday, Kallas called for a “transparent, impartial, and credible investigation, holding all perpetrators of serious violations accountable and bringing them to justice.” She also stressed the necessity of respecting the ceasefire that came into effect a few days ago.

She demanded that all parties “immediately halt all acts of violence” and ensure the safety of civilians “without discrimination based on ethnic or religious affiliation,” along with protecting civilian infrastructure, including religious sites. Urgent steps must be taken “to prevent any incitement or sectarian rhetoric.”

Kallas affirmed that the European Union continues to support its partners in “delivering essential humanitarian aid amid the ongoing emergency.” She urged all parties, especially the Syrian Interim Government, to “ensure safe and unhindered access to urgent humanitarian assistance, particularly in health, water, and food sectors, as well as protecting humanitarian workers.”

She also emphasized that the time has come for “dialogue and progress towards a genuine, peaceful, and inclusive transition that guarantees human rights and fulfills the aspirations of all Syrians.” Protecting citizens without discrimination, taking steps toward disarmament, and restructuring national security forces are responsibilities that the new authority must undertake.

Kallas concluded by affirming the EU’s readiness to support these efforts and its commitment to “a Syrian-led and owned peaceful and inclusive transition process.”

ANHA