International statement: It's time to end the "attack" on Syrians
In a joint statement, yesterday, Tuesday, several countries commemorated the eleventh anniversary of the Syrian revolution that erupted on March 15, 2011, stressing their rejection of normalization with the Syrian government and the importance of activating the accountability mechanism for crimes committed in the context of the Syrian conflict.
The United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy said in the joint statement: “Today marks 11 years since the Syrian people bravely and peacefully took to the streets to demand freedom, political reform, and a government that respects and supports human rights.
"After 11 years of death and suffering, it is time for the Syrian government and its backers, including Russia and Iran, to stop their brutal assault on the Syrian people," she added.
The countries noted that "this year's anniversary coincides with the horrific Russian aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes an exceptionally serious violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and which highlights Russia's brutal and destructive behavior in both conflicts."
The countries affirmed that “after more than a decade of conflict, the economic and humanitarian situation in Syria has become grim, and millions of Syrian refugees generously hosted by Syria’s neighbors, as well as internally displaced persons, cannot return to their homes in line with United Nations standards, and without fear of violence and arbitrary detention.” and torture, and the continuation of the conflict has created space for terrorists, especially ISIS, to exploit," stressing that preventing the return of ISIS remains a "priority."
In the statement, the countries stressed their support for the Syrian-led operation mediated by the United Nations, within the framework of Security Council Resolution "2245", calling for a ceasefire in the Syrian territories, respect for the Charter of Human Rights, and the provision of humanitarian access, including the cross-border aid mechanism approved by the Security Council. , releasing forcibly detainees and clarifying the fate of the missing.
The countries affirmed that they do not support the normalization of relations with the Syrian government, noting that they will not normalize any relations with it and will not take the initiative to lift sanctions or fund reconstruction "until irreversible progress is reached towards a political solution."
It urged "all parties, especially the Syrian government, to participate in the meeting on March 21 of the Constitutional Committee with good intentions," calling on the committee to abide by its mandate.
"Impotence is not acceptable. We will therefore continue to work diligently to promote accountability, including by supporting the Commission of Inquiry, the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism, and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. This also includes supporting organizations, many of which are led by Syria, in gathering evidence," she added. and documenting atrocities and grave violations of international law committed in Syria, including the use of chemical weapons.
The countries concluded their statement by welcoming the efforts aimed at investigating war crimes and holding their perpetrators accountable, calling for support for those lawsuits.
"As their harrowing testimonies prove, justice remains elusive for the victims and their families. Pursuing accountability and achieving justice is fundamental to instilling confidence... and securing the stable, just and enduring peace that Syrians need and deserve," she said.
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