FDFA concerned by recent upsurge in fighting in Syria
Bern, 21.04.2016 - The FDFA is deeply concerned by the recent upsurge in fighting in Syria and calls on all parties to the conflict to respect the cessation of hostilities agreement of 12 February 2016, and to facilitate immediate and unhampered access for the delivery of humanitarian aid to people caught in the combat zones. The cessation of hostilities is indispensable to reach a political solution, thereby putting an end to the cycle of violence in Syria.
The FDFA strongly condemns any attacks directly targeting the civilian population, as was the case in recent weeks in the provinces of Idlib and Aleppo. Such attacks constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law, in particular the fundamental principle of distinction. Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, calls on all parties to the conflict in Syria to strictly respect international humanitarian law, including the principles governing the conduct of hostilities.
Address for enquiries
FDFA Communication
Federal Palace West Wing
CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland
Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55
E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
Twitter: @SwissMFA
Publisher
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html
