Federal Foreign Minister Westerwelle on Syria: UN report must precede further measures

After the intensive discussions at the G20 summit in St Petersburg, we now have the opportunity to continue the consultations on Syria among EU foreign ministers in Vilnius, and Secretary of State Kerry will also join us tomorrow. As is already evident from the high frequency of discussions, we are working for a political solution with urgency.[…]

The use of chemical weapons of mass destruction that took place in Syria is a serious crime. The international community should decide on a clear common answer. To this end we are holding talks with all partners, naturally also with Russia and with China but also with countries in the region, including Iran.

We are convinced that first of all it is necessary to wait for the report of the UN chemical weapons inspectors before taking further decisions. That is our appeal to those who are currently considering further measures. […]

Moreover in St Petersburg today, together with the Federal Chancellor we had a very intensive discussion with Secretary‑General Ban Ki‑moon. We strongly urged for the UN report’s submission to the United Nations to be expedited in order for the results of this independent report to be incorporated in the decision making process in the capitals.