Statement by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean on Syria

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean expresses its unconditional condemnation of the brutal consequences following the firing of artillery and tank shells on the residential neighbourhood in the village of El-Houleh, near Homs, in Syria.

The indiscriminate and disproportionate use of force is a flagrant violation of international law and of the commitments of the parties involved in this armed confrontation to cease the use of heavy weapons in population centres and violence in all its forms, as being witnessed every day by UN observers

PAM calls on the Syrian government to take the necessary actions to find those responsible for perpetrating this crime and to hold them to account.

The International Community, including PAM, cannot tolerate that dozens of innocent men, women and children are killed, and hundreds of others wounded, is such an appalling manner.

PAM reiterates its call for a full investigation on the dynamics of the events and invites all the parties involved, to seek through negotiation, a fair and long lasting solution to the situation in Syria.

All hostilities must stop immediately and efforts by international organizations, including the UN- Arab League initiative under the leadership of the Joint Special Envoy, Kofi Annan, must be heeded, in order to avoid further bloodshed among the population, which has by now,  given enough signs with regards to their future democratic aspirations.  PAM expresses its condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a quick recovery to the wounded.

PAM will follow closely all developments and in collaboration with the national parliament and authorities of Syria, will support all actions aimed at fulfilling the aspirations of the Syrian population. 

 

Malta, 26 May 2012