Syria: EU and Quint nations call on Russia to act in favour of cessation of hostilities and diplomatic efforts

September 26, 2016
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In the wake of the devastating events in Syria last week, the foreign ministers of France, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States and the High Representative of the European Union released a joint statement on Sunday 25 September emphasising that “the burden is on Russia to prove it is willing and able to take extraordinary steps to salvage diplomatic efforts to restore a cessation of hostilities (CoH), allow unfettered humanitarian assistance and create the conditions necessary for the resumption of UN-led talks about a political transition.”

 
The Quint nations and the European Union High Representative warned that “patience with Russia’s continued inability or unwillingness to adhere to its commitments is not unlimited” called on Russia to “take extraordinary steps to restore the credibility of our efforts, including by halting the indiscriminate bombing by the Syrian regime of its own people, which has continually and egregiously undermined efforts to end this war.” They also called on the UN Security Council to take urgent further steps to address the brutality of this conflict, and particularly the assault on Aleppo.
 
The EU and the five countries reaffirmed their commitment to “the destruction of Da’esh in Syria and Iraq” and urged Russia to “follow through on its pledge to actually focus on this group.” They also reaffirmed their shared view that “the Nusra Front, al Qaeda’s affiliate in Syria, is a terrorist organization and an enemy of the international community.”  (EU Neighbourhood Info)
 
Read more
 
  
EU Neighbourhood Info Centre – Mogherini underscores need for progress on Syria crisis(21-09-2016)
 
 
European Commission – Factsheet – The European Union and Syria 
 
European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection – Syrian crisis factsheet  
 

 

Countries covered:

  • Syria *