The European Union stressed on Sunday that the upcoming Syrian presidential elections do not contribute to the settlement of the conflict nor lead to normalization with the regime.
EU High Representative Josep Borell released a Declaration, Sunday, on behalf of the 27-member bloc to mark 10 years since peaceful protests began throughout Syria, saying targeted EU motions on leading members and entities of the regime will be renewed at the end of May.
The statement also stressed that presidential elections set to take place later this year couldn't contribute to the settlement of the conflict "nor lead to any measure of international normalization with the Syrian regime."
It further highlighted that over the last ten years, countless abuses and violations of human rights, and grave violations of international humanitarian law by all parties, particularly by the Syrian regime, have caused enormous human suffering.
"Accountability for all violations of international humanitarian and human rights law is of utmost importance in achieving sustainable peace and genuine reconciliation in Syria," it noted.
Borrel statement said that the EU and its member states remain the biggest supporters of Syria during its conflict.
"In ten years, as European Union and its Member States, we have provided €22 billion, it means in average €2.2 billion every year, in assistance for needs inside Syria, in support of refugees and in support of refugee-hosting countries. We are the biggest donor."
“The Syrian people continue to have the full political and humanitarian support of the European Union, in the pursuit of a peaceful and sustainable future,” he added.
