MEPs have voted to support a Syrian-led “fair” political transition to unite and rebuild Syria.
Concerned about stability in Syria and in the Middle East, MEPs said they want the EU to “seize this historic opportunity to support a Syrian-led political transition in order to unite and rebuild the country”.
In a resolution adopted in Strasbourg on Wednesday, they also praised the “bravery, dignity and resilience” of the Syrian people.
Parliament, in the draft, calls on the EU and member states to help Syria’s authorities in the country’s reconstruction.
Commenting Hannah Neumann, Greens/EFA MEP and member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, said,
Fourteen years of war, bombings, and torture – the people of Syria have endured unimaginable suffering.
She added,
With Assad’s fall, cautious hope is emerging, yet recent events show how fragile the situation remains. We strongly condemn the violent confrontations between Syrian security forces and remnants of the former Assad regime over the weekend and call on the de facto government to initiate prompt, transparent and impartial investigations into the killings. Those responsible must be held to account, in line with international law, norms and standards.
Neumann noted,
The EU must support Syria at this crucial moment; decisively, but not naively.
“Decisively, because a window of opportunity for real change has opened three months ago. Sectoral sanctions that primarily harm the civilian population need to be fully suspended. Economic recovery is essential for stability, and reconstruction efforts must be tailored to the needs of Syrians.
But not naively. No new dictatorship, no carving up the country by warlords, no exclusion of women or opposition voices. Instead, healing and dealing with the past will be essential. Europe’s own history teaches us that accountability is difficult but necessary. We can share this experience—as a partner who supports but does not dictate. Syria’s future must be in the hands of Syrians.
The MEP added,
Lastly, today’s Syria is not safe—the suspension of asylum applications by some EU member states is unacceptable. Returns must be voluntary and safe, in full accordance with international law and the principles set out by UNHCR. Europe must guarantee fair asylum procedures and protect displaced Syrians, for as long as any insecurity remains.
