The catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Syrian province of Idlib prompted Chancellor Merkel and France’s President Macron to telephone Russia. The EU also called for an end to the fighting.
Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron have expressed concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the highly competitive Syrian province of Idlib in a telephone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Merkel and Macron therefore called for an immediate end to the fighting and unhindered humanitarian access to the needy.
In the conversation, both politicians agreed to meet Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to find a political solution. This was announced by the spokesman for the federal government, Steffen Seibert.
Humanitarian drama in the region
Russia is the main ally of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. The Kremlin said “effective measures” against the terrorist threat were important. However, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria should be respected.
Putin also warned of negative humanitarian consequences for the population. These should be prevented. Macron had previously condemned the attacks by Syrian government forces on Idlib and called on the UN Security Council to act. In Brussels he complained that humanitarian drama had been going on for weeks.
EU also calls for an end to hostilities
The EU has also strongly condemned the recent military offensive on the highly competitive Syrian province of Idlib. The attacks by ruler Baschar al-Assad and his supporters caused tremendous human suffering and are unacceptable, according to a statement adopted at the EU summit in Brussels at night. “The EU is calling on all actors to stop fighting immediately.”
In addition, everyone involved is urged to respect the obligations of international international law and to give all those in need unhindered access to humanitarian aid. It is of the utmost importance that violations of international humanitarian law and human rights are brought to justice. The International Criminal Court should deal with the situation in Syria.
Hundreds of thousands on the run
The situation in Idlib has recently escalated: According to the UN, around 900,000 Syrians have fled the approaching government troops and violence since the beginning of December. Last year they started an offensive for the last big rebel stronghold around the city. Despite a ceasefire, the attacks have continued over the past few weeks and government forces have been able to take over larger areas.
Idlib is dominated by the Haiat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militia group close to Al Qaeda. Syria and its ally Russia argue that they are fighting terrorists in the region. However, more moderate rebels are also fighting there.
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