ONGOING VIOLENCE IN SYRIA; Congressional Record Vol. 157, No. 90

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ONGOING VIOLENCE IN SYRIA

(Mr. PETERS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1

minute.)

Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my growing concern

regarding the events unfolding in Syria. President Assad has repeatedly

refused to usher in democratic reforms for his people and instead has

chosen to continue his indiscriminate killings of innocent men, women,

and children. His ruthless campaign of brutality has now shifted to

northern Syria, where Syrian security forces led by President Assad's

brother have instilled fear in the residents. Many of those innocently

protesting for reform and freedom have been gunned down and many more

have fled their homes, leaving all belongings and possessions behind.

With a complete ban on the entry of foreign journalists into the

country, it is nearly impossible to determine just how dire the

circumstances are. However, with the thousands of Syrians fleeing the

violence into nearby Turkey, it is clear that conditions both in Syria

and on the Turkish-Syrian border are deteriorating.

I therefore urge President Assad to allow humanitarian aid groups

access

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into Syria. By refusing entry, President Assad has forced his own

people to not only live under deplorable conditions but he has forced

them to live in a constant state of fear. Aid groups must be allowed in

to provide the vital care. If the Syrian regime has any compassion, it

will do so.

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