PARIS, September 12. (Itar-Tass) – A resolution adopted by the European Parliament on Thursday names use of chemical weapons against Syria a crime against humanity.
The document reads: “In the face of this appalling use of chemical weapons, the international community cannot remain idle; […]proven use of chemical weapons, particularly against civilians, is a flagrant breach of international law, a war crime and a crime against humanity, which requires a clear, strong, targeted and united response, not excluding eventual deterrent measures, in order to make it clear that such crimes are unacceptable and to avoid any further use of chemical weapons in Syria or elsewhere;”
Thus the European Parliament calls “Calls on the UN to quickly complete its thorough investigation into the use of chemical weapons in Syria,” urging that “ the report of the inspection team to be sent as soon as possible to the Security Council so that it can discuss the mass killing in Syria on the basis of the conclusions reached by the UN investigation team and assess the measures which need to be adopted.”
The deputies also welcome “the proposal that Syria’s chemical weapons arsenal should be placed at the disposal of the international community with a view to having it destroyed as soon as possible,” as stated in the resolution.
The document emphasizes: “following the ultimatum from the international community, accompanied by a binding resolution of the United Nations Security Council, that in the event of failure to comply, this measure might be imposed on the basis of all the instruments provided for in the United Nations Charter;”
“Russia and China, as permanent members of the Security Council,[should] face their responsibilities and facilitate the achievement of a common position and a diplomatic solution to the Syrian crisis without excluding a role for the UN General Assembly whereby it could take up this matter in the event of a persistent blockage in the Security Council,” European deputies believe.
The resolution also calls on Bashar Al-Assad to step down “and pave the way for a democratic transition;” EU member-states are urge “to live up to their humanitarian responsibilities and to increase their assistance to Syrian refugees.”
Late Thursday Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was scheduled to meet with his American counterpart John Kerry in order to discuss the Syrian situation. The talks are expected to continue until Friday, perhaps even Saturday.
The UN and Arab League Joint Special Representative for Syria Lakhdar Brahimi will hold separate meetings in Geneva with US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the envoy’s press secretary Khawla Mattar told Itar-Tass on Thursday, adding that most like the meeting with Russian side will be held Friday.
Earlier this week Russia urged Syria to place chemical weapons under international control. “We do not know whether Syria will agree to this, but if such international control over chemical weapons in that country helps avoid the strikes, we will start working with Damascus immediately,” Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday, September 9. Foreign officials mostly supported this idea.