UAE decries targeting of civilians in Syria

Abu Dhabi, May 1 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed deep concern at the upsurge in attacks on civilians in Syria, especially in the city of Aleppo.

It described the targeting by the government forces of hospitals and essential medical services meant for the population languishing under siege and facing extremely difficult inhumane conditions as "immoral".

The ministry of foreign affairs said, "Unwarranted escalation against the civilian population could undermine the political process and the ceasefire, which contributed positively to the reduction of violence suffered by the Syrian people."

The UAE called on all the warring parties in Syria, including the Syrian government, "to sincerely and honestly work for the success of the political process and to de-escalate the violence against civilians, and facilitate the delivery of emergency relief aid to the areas under siege."

It also urged the UN Security Council to shoulder its responsibilities and the need to spare the lives of Syrian civilians who are being subjected to fierce attacks as a result of the continued fighting and the determination to resolve matters militarily.

The UAE also called on the UN Security Council to urge the Syrian government to abide by the ceasefire and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid to the besieged areas.

It reiterated its full faith in the political solution to the crisis in Syria through international terms of reference and stressed the need to comply with this framework, away from escalation and violence.

--IANS/WAM

ksk