April 15, 2018

The Asia-Europe People’s Forum (AEPF) condemns the April 14 US-led missile strike on Syria’s territory.

The US-France-UK attack, targeting Syria’s Homs province, which the US and their allies claimed was in response to the Syrian Army’s use of chemical weapons, not only heightens tensions in the region but also threatens people’s lives and livelihood.

The situation in the so-called chemical weapon zone is murky and UN chemical weapons inspectors should visit the area and ascertain if chemical weapons were used. They should be given all necessary facilities by the Assad Government to ensure a thorough and unbiased investigation.

It is also important to highlight the Turkish aggression in the Northern Syrian region of Afrin where the Kurdish minority is facing an armored attack by Turkey.

We urge the US, its allies and the Russian Federation, as well as all parties to immediately stop using or threatening to use force and violence in all settings, contexts, and circumstances and start an inclusive dialogue.

The AEPF expresses its solidarity with and support for all Syrian people working for a just peace and peaceful, negotiated end to the conflicts in Syria and those who are victims, internally displaced and refugees from the conflicts. AEPF calls on all peace-loving movements to urge an end to hostilities enabling conditions for a peaceful resolution of hostilities. We ask for an immediate cease-fire monitored by the UN to ensure peace throughout this region.