The war in Syria has taken 400 000 Syrian lives, thousands more have been injured and millions have been displaced

The conflict in Syria has its roots in structural and economic problems that were already widespread in Syria in the early 2000s. The Syrian regime, and its allies Russia and Iran are responsible under international law for the heinous crimes they continue to commit in Syria and the economic consequences of their military interventions.

Repeated regional and international attempts to end the war have failed. Efforts to find a political solution through the UN-led Geneva process must be renewed.

At the same time, the discussion about the future of Syria revolves around questions linked to the future of the Assad regime, territorial integrity of Syria, political accountability, the creation of safe zones, and the reconstruction work that will follow a potential peace agreement.

Plenary session week 38 2014 in Strasbourg - Situation in Iraq and Syria and the ISIS offensive including the persecution of minorities Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy