Syria: Statement by the Spokesman on the ceasefire agreement

The European Union welcomes the ceasefire agreement reached between Syria and Israel, with the support of the United States and regional partners. The ceasefire must now be fully respected. We urge all parties to immediately stop all acts of violence, to protect all civilians without distinction, and to take immediate steps to prevent incitement and sectarian discourse. We also call on Israel and all other foreign actors to fully respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

We are appalled by the hundreds of victims of the last days’ violence, and especially by the violence reportedly perpetrated by several armed groups against unarmed civilians. We call for all perpetrators of grave violations of international humanitarian law to be held accountable and brought to justice – including with the support of relevant international mechanisms.

Now is the time for dialogue and for advancing a truly inclusive transition. Syria’s transitional authorities, together with local authorities, bear the responsibility to protect all Syrians without distinction, and to take necessary steps towards disarmament, demobilisation and the restructuring of national security forces in line with international standards. The EU stands ready to assist in these endeavours and in supporting a peaceful and inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition.

بيان المتحدث باسم الاتحاد الأوروبي يرحب باتفاق وقف إطلاق النار بين سورية وإسرائيل بدعم أمريكي وإقليمي، ويدعو إسرائيل وسائر الأطراف الخارجية إلى احترام سيادة سورية ووحدة أراضيها.