Press release – MEPs want EU to step up its peace-building efforts in Syria
Only a political process led by the different Syrian groups and supported by the UN could end a war in Syria and the EU should take a more active role.
MEPs endorsed the EU strategy for Syria and advocated for a united and independent country in a resolution voted on Thursday. They are convinced that only a political process led by Syrian groups, under UN supervision and based on a new constitution, can lead to free and fair elections. This is the only way to end a war, which already cost 400.000 lives and left 13.5 mln. people in urgent need of food, water and shelter.
The EU, as the largest donor, needs to involve itself more in the Syrian peace process: facilitate the political transition, bring parties closer together, support the Syrian population and prepare for reconstruction, MEPs say. They also hint at some early confidence-building measures, such as unhindered humanitarian access throughout Syria, the end of all city sieges or the release of hostages.
MEPs condemn the atrocities, human rights and international law violations by all parties in the conflict, and in particular the forces of the Assad regime, supported by Russia and Iran, as well as by ISIS/Da’esh and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham. They urge that a Syria war crime tribunal be set up, pending a successful referral of these crimes to the International Criminal Court.
Quick facts
In March 2017, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini presented a joint communication on an EU strategy for Syria, which outlines how the EU can play a more visible and effective role in contributing to the lasting political solution in Syria.
Follow-up Report to the Peer Review on MiFID Conduct of Business rules relating to fair, clear and not misleading information
Greens respond to Conservative manifesto
18 May 2017
*Caroline Lucas brands Conservative manifesto as “misguided” and “cruel”
The Green Party has responded to the Conservative manifesto, saying it reveals the “recklessness at the heart” of the party’s plans.
Caroline Lucas, Green Party co-leader, said:
“The Tory’s dementia tax and their hardline approach to migration are deeply misguided, and reveal a recklessness at the heart of Theresa May’s plans. The social care changes will hit those in need worst, shifting the cost burden onto individuals and further undermining the welfare state. The lockdown on migration isn’t just economically illiterate and bad for business, it’s cruel too.
“Next week the Green Party will unveil its manifesto and when we do we will be setting out our vision for the confident and caring nation that we believe Britain can be. We will be talking about investing in essential social care, not making people pay more for the privilege of being looked after, reshaping the economy so that it rewards our passions and nurtures our talents, and building an education system that inspires children to create the kind of future we want to see.”
The MP service I provided in the last Parliament
I think an MP should be easily contactable and personally interested in constituents’ views and problems.
I wrote a daily diary piece seven days a week all year setting out my views and actions on national matters, and often a second piece on local issues where I was involved or urging the Council to take action. I encouraged constituents to logon and write back if they wished.
I provided an email answering and problem handling service seven days a week 51 weeks a year myself, with the other week covered during the working week by my staff.
I participated in more debates and votes than the average MP, and made sure I was always in Westminster when there was business on that mattered to my constituents. I did not undertake any foreign trips when Parliament was in session.
I held regular surgeries with appointment times that suited my constituents.
I kept my office costs charged to the taxpayer to well below the average MP office costs, by doing more of the work myself.
Published and promoted by Fraser Mc Farland on behalf of John Redwood, both at 30 Rose Street Wokingham RG40 1XU