Written declaration No. 570 | Doc. 13475 | 07 April 2014

Kesab: Condemning terrorist attack against civilians in Syria

Signatories: Ms Arpine HOVHANNISYAN, Armenia, EPP/CD ; Mr José María BENEYTO, Spain, EPP/CD ; Mr Christopher CHOPE, United Kingdom, EDG ; Mr Hans FRANKEN, Netherlands, EPP/CD ; Mr Valeriu GHILETCHI, Republic of Moldova, EPP/CD ; Mr Gerardo GIOVAGNOLI, San Marino, SOC ; Mr Davit HARUTYUNYAN, Armenia, EDG ; Ms Naira KARAPETYAN, Armenia, EPP/CD ; Mr Thierry MARIANI, France, EPP/CD ; Mr Michael McNAMARA, Ireland, SOC ; Mr José MENDES BOTA, Portugal, EPP/CD ; Mr João Bosco MOTA AMARAL, Portugal, EPP/CD ; Mr Pieter OMTZIGT, Netherlands, EPP/CD ; Mr Stanislav POLČÁK, Czech Republic, EPP/CD ; Ms Marietta de POURBAIX-LUNDIN, Sweden, EPP/CD ; Mr Alexey PUSHKOV, Russian Federation, EDG ; Mr René ROUQUET, France, SOC ; Mr Kimmo SASI, Finland, EPP/CD ; Mr Mher SHAHGELDYAN, Armenia, EPP/CD ; Mr Konstantinos TRIANTAFYLLOS, Greece, SOC ; Mr Tobias ZECH, Germany, EPP/CD ; Ms Naira ZOHRABYAN, Armenia, ALDE

This written declaration commits only those who have signed it.

The undersigned members of the Parliamentary Assembly express their grave concern over the recent escalation of the situation in North-Western Syria, around the ancient town of Kesab predominantly populated by Armenians. The late attacks were carried out by Al-Qaeda affiliated terrorist groups across the border from the territory of Turkey. The brutal actions, which targeted largely the civilian population, resulted in forced displacement of local population. The extremist groups have desecrated Kesab’s Armenian churches and caused significant damage to property of inhabitants. This is a continuing humanitarian crisis. Bearing in mind and urgent need for the protection of ethnic and religious minorities, including Armenians in conditions of armed conflict in Syria, we strongly condemn and considers unacceptable such use of force against civilian population, regardless of their ethnic and religious identity.

We strongly urge the Turkish authorities to take immediate measures to prevent further use of its territory by extremist groups and to investigate reports on Turkish assistance to terrorist groups.

The international community should undertake resolute efforts to ensure the safety and security of refugees, including the Armenians, facilitate conditions for their early, safe and dignified return to their places of residence and provide indispensable humanitarian assistance to address their urgent needs.