The Vatican this week called for an “urgent” delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Syria.
“Recent developments coming from Syria seem to reinforce the feeling of helplessness in front of an endless human tragedy,” said Monsignor Richard Gyhra, chargé d’affaires of the Permanent Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations.
Gyhra blamed the “continuation of the conflict and its procession of refugees, disrespect of human rights and international humanitarian law” as the cause of the situation in Syria.
“Crimes against humanity are frequent and unpunished, intentional attacks against the civilian population are daily,” added Gyhra.
He said all parties should be involved in the peace process.
“A crucial dimension for reaching a sustainable solution in the peace building process is respect for a pluralistic society where ethnic, linguistic or religious minorities have their place as full members of society and the Syrian State,” said Gyhra.
Peace talks in Geneva this week offered a “glimmer of hope” to the people of Syria, read a report from Vatican Radio.
Assaad Al Achi, executive director of a Syrian civil society organization, told Vatican Radio that “it’s heartwarming to see that the people are resilient.”
“They have the same demands, and with the minimum reduction of violence we see the people back on the street demonstrating, asking for the same things that they were asking for back in 2011,” said Al Achi.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced this week the withdrawal of Russian military personnel and planes from Syria.
The announcement raised hopes that the talks in Geneva could yield some results.
Sources
Vatican Radio
Aljazeera
Vatican Radio
Image: Reuters/Vatican Radio