In a resolution today, the European Parliament strongly condemned the continuing atrocities and the violation of human rights and the international humanitarian law in Syria committed by the forces of Putin and Assad, backed by Iran and also condemned the terrorist acts of Da’esh.
ALDE MEP Marietje Schaake (D66, The Netherlands), who negotiated the resolution on behalf of our Group, said the EU can only credibly put pressure on Iran and sanctions in place on Russia, if EU leaders show a united front by at least adopting a common position and developing a concrete Syria strategy:
„It is disgraceful that while schools and hospitals are intentionally bombed and destroyed by the forces of Putin and Assad, EU leaders fail to even agree on a joint response. That the Italian Prime Minister Renzi succeeded in blocking EU sanctions against Putin’s loathsome behaviour in Syria undermines the EU’s role and credibility. It is shameful.”
„The EU’s Syria strategy is long overdue. The war in Syria has lasted longer than WW II. The EU should not mainly focus on the post-conflict reconstruction of Syria but must include concrete actions aimed at ending bombardments and assisting the Syrian population, now and in the future. It is essential that the EU puts pressure on Iran to stop supporting the Assad regime, that sanctions are placed on Russia immediately and that the EU plays a leading role in efforts to document (war) crimes and crimes against humanity committed by all sides in order to hold those responsible to account.”
