Syria

The European Parliament today debated the crisis in Syria. Commenting in the context of the debate, Green foreign affairs spokespersons Barbara Lochbihler and Tamas Meszerics stated:

"The year-long air strikes by the US-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS) and the current Russian attacks show that there can be no military solution to this multi-dimensional conflict. These interventions are instead exacerbating instability and complicating the conflict, whilst contravening international law.

"We call for an immediate and unconditional cease fire in Syria. In particular, there is a need to end the separate interventions by the US-led coalition and Russia. The only option for military action can be a clearly defined 'Responsibility to Protect', based on an UN Mandate. We strongly condemn the recent air strikes by two EU member states, France and the UK, which represent a violation of international law.

"Negotiations with all relevant parties are the only viable option. These should focus on the formation of a transitional governing body and lay the ground for a power-sharing agreement and confidence-building arrangement which includes all relevant regional players.

"There can be neither effective conflict resolution nor sustainable peace in Syria without accountability for the crimes committed by all sides during the conflict, including the Assad regime. The EU must promote the fight against impunity through a comprehensive accountability strategy, with criminal inquiries and support for a special tribunal on Syria.

"We call on EU governments to adopt a Common Position on the Syrian conflict focusing on a UN-centred and led political process. EU member states have to return to rules-based multilateralism and end individual military interventions.”