MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Syria

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the statement of 26 October 2016 by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the situation in Syria,

–  having regard to Rule 123(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  whereas hostilities in Syria are escalating and causing numerous civilian casualties;

1.  Strongly condemns all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure;

2.  Notes that the European Union is mainly focusing on the humanitarian aspects of the conflict; is concerned that humanitarian aid could be diverted to benefit terrorist groups;

3.  Emphasises the ambiguous role of Turkey in the Syrian conflict, whose main goal is to stop the expansion of Kurdish militias rather than fighting ISIS on Syrian territory;

4.  Notes that oil from ISIS-controlled territories is being exported into Turkey, providing extra funding for terrorist activities in Syria, Europe and elsewhere;

5.  Condemns Turkey’s support for opposition groups that have been infiltrated by jihadist fighters;

6.  Condemns arms deliveries and any other form of support to ISIS, Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (formerly known as al-Nusra) and other jihadist groups in Syria;

7.  Is concerned about reports by intelligence sources that ISIS is planning chemical gas attacks against the military and the civilian population in Aleppo East;

8.  Urges all participants in the International Syria Support Group to resume negotiations to facilitate the establishment of a stable truce and to intensify work for a lasting political settlement in Syria;

9.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the Secretary-General of the United Nations and all parties involved in the conflict in Syria.