UAE voices concern over violence in Syria's Ghouta

Dubai, Feb 22 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) expressed on Thursday its "deep concern" over the escalating violence and the worsening humanitarian situation in the eastern region of Ghouta in Syria.

"The UAE calls for an immediate ceasefire to protect the safety of the civilians," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in a statement.

"Syria has suffered enough through severe conflict and the systematic targeting of civilians and cannot bear more bloodshed," it said.

The Gulf Arab state also stressed the need to allow access for humanitarian aid to reach the wounded to offer medical treatment and food.

The UAE reiterated that the only solution to the Syrian crisis was the Geneva-based political solution and appealed to all parties to activate this political process.

It also expressed its deep concern over foreign interference on the ground, "which violates Syrian sovereignty and aggravates the crisis", renewing its calls for "an end to the bloodshed that has torn the country, its social fabric and institutions and threatening its unity".

On Sunday, the Syrian forces started the prelude to a massive ground offensive with heavy fire cover and airstrikes, while the rebels started bombing the capital with mortar shells, almost paralysing life in eastern neighbourhoods close to Eastern Ghouta.

The military campaign aims to end the presence of the rebels in eastern Ghouta, pro-government media outlets said, but it is no easy task as the rebels have been entrenched there for years.

--IANS/WAM

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