Brussels 14/04/2018

Trump, May and Macron attacked Syria and broke international law without even waiting for an international, independent investigation into the use of chemical weapons in Syria. We strongly condemn this military attack. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) team was set to arrive in Syria today in order to investigate the allegations. The three Western powers drew their own conclusions before the perpetrator was identified. This way, they risk an international conflict between the nuclear powers and an escalation of the conflict with Russia. We demand that any further military strike be stopped immediately. We say to EU members France and the UK: “Not in our name!”

People in the EU do not want a further escalation in the relations with Russia. We call on all other EU member states to clearly distance themselves from this attack.

We urge the nuclear powers to immediately withdraw their troops from the eastern Mediterranean. The danger of a direct confrontation between the nuclear powers USA, Russia, France and the UK must be stopped immediately.

The use of chemical weapons in Syria, in Europe, or anywhere else in the world is a heinous crime against humanity. Their use must carry consequences and must be prevented in the future. The Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and other instruments of international law, provides the international community with the necessary resources. Military violence does not solve this problem, but continues to turn the spiral of conflict. That is why dialogue and diplomatic negotiations are the only way out of this conflict which has already cost tens of thousands of lives. We call on the EU to work for de-escalation, by pushing for a peace summit between the big powers involved in the Syrian war.

 

 

GUE/NGL Press Contact: David Lundy 
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