Foreign Ministry of Latvia condemns violence in Syria

In response to the recently escalating violence and bloodshed in Syria, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia strongly condemns these developments. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs accentuates that Syria’s ruling regime must cease violence and bloodshed, and facilitate democratic transition and reforms in Syria that would serve the interests of its people. At the time when the international community cannot achieve an agreement on voicing a clear position at the UN Security Council, Syrian authorities continue military crackdown on protesters and civilians, as the result of which, according to UN estimates, more than 5000 people including children have lost their lives since the uprising began in March 2011.

The Foreign Ministry also regrets the inability to adopt at the UN Security Council on 4 February this year the resolution on Syria, supported by the European Union member states and the Arab League. The inability by the UN Security Council members to reach an agreement on the resolution concerning Syria is disappointing. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia has already earlier expressed condemnation with regard to the events in Syria, calling for authorities to launch a comprehensive reform process in the interests of the people and indicating that the use of force against peaceful demonstrators undermines the credibility of reforms initiated by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

On 23 January this year, the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council strongly condemned the brutal campaign by the Syrian regime against its own population and supported imposing restrictive measures against persons who are involved in violent repressions of protests and provide support to Syria’s ruling regime.