German MPs warn Aleppo violence threatens Syria’s ethnic, religious diversity

The appeal, titled “End the Escalation in Aleppo – Protect All Ethnic and Religious Groups in Syria”, was signed by MPs Max Lucks (Greens), Kansu Özdemir (Left), Johannes Volkmann (CDU), and Serdar Yüksel (SPD). They expressed deep concern over the renewed escalation in Syria, emphasizing that what is happening poses a direct threat to the country’s ethnic and religious diversity.

The MPs noted that the interim government’s forces have declared Kurdish neighborhoods as restricted areas and launched military attacks using heavy shelling and drones. They added that this systematic violence had previously appeared in massacres against the Druze community in Sweida and attacks on Alawite civilians on the Syrian coast, threatening to ignite a new humanitarian disaster.

The MPs called on their colleagues in the German parliament to join the appeal, considering it their duty to protect Syrian residents and ensure respect for ethnic and religious diversity.

They emphasized that any lasting solution to the Syrian crisis can only be achieved if ethnic and religious diversity is equally recognized and a fair agreement with the Kurds is reached based on mutual respect.

In statements to Der Spiegel, Max Lucks, spokesperson for the Green Party’s parliamentary group on human rights, said international pressure on the interim government is necessary, pointing out that it creates chaos in every area it tries to advance militarily.

Johannes Volkmann, a CDU MP, called for measures at the level of bilateral relations with the interim government if these attacks are not immediately stopped.

Kansu Özdemir, the Left Party’s foreign policy spokesperson, stressed that attacks on Kurds in Aleppo demonstrate Syria’s need for decentralization, granting regions more powers instead of an authoritarian central authority, while ensuring protection for all ethnic and religious groups.

SPD MP Serdar Yüksel called for an immediate halt to the attacks, protection for all ethnic and religious groups, and the start of genuine political negotiations based on mutual respect.

Der Spiegel noted that this appeal reflects a rare agreement among four politically different German parties and comes at a time when Syria is facing a growing violence crisis, especially in the northern regions where Kurds live.

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