Syria: Statement by the Spokesperson on the calls for nationwide ceasefire

The European Union adds its voice to the call by the UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen for an immediate and nationwide ceasefire across Syria, particularly in view of the coronavirus pandemic. The recently agreed ceasefire in Idlib remains fragile. It must be upheld and extended to the whole of Syria.

Ending the hostilities in the country is important in itself, but it is also a precondition for halting the spread of the coronavirus and protecting an already struggling population from its potentially devastating consequences, in particular in Idlib with its high number of displaced people. The EU also reiterates the Special Envoy's appeal for a large-scale release of detainees held by the Syrian regime.

As the leading humanitarian donor in Syria, the EU stands ready to support the United Nations in its all-out effort to stop the violence and limit the spread of the coronavirus, as was also underlined by the High Representative Josep Borrell during his recent phone call with UN Special Envoy G.Pedersen. We have supported the Syrian people throughout ten years of war and we will support them also in dealing with the consequences of this additional challenge. The EU is already working with international partners, United Nations agencies and NGOs to scale up its response to the pandemic.

The European Union fully supports the efforts of the Special Envoy and his team and remains committed to an end to the violence in Syria and to a political solution of the conflict. In particular, the EU continues to call for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2254.