Stop bloodshed in Syria
photo: afp
We know that the conflict in Syria erupted on March 15, 2011 when protesters inspired by Arab uprisings took to the streets of cities and towns across Syria for unparalleled demonstrations demanding democratic change. Many international media have been saying that initially the demonstrators were unarmed and peaceful and included many women and children. Even so, Assad's forces unleashed a brutal crackdown and opened fire on them. It has provoked many among the demonstrators to take up arms.
However, this unfortunate conflict enters 3rd year now. The hard fact is Syria is mired in a civil war that has killed at least 70,000 people and forced one million to flee abroad, with millions more missing or displaced, sparking an economic and humanitarian disaster. It is reported in the newspapers that the International Committee of the Red Cross said it was “deplorable” that people were getting used to the fact that so many civilians were being killed each day, with a daily tally of between 100 and 200 dead.
We have learnt from recent media reports that several member states of the European Union have expressed strong opposition to a Britan's and France's call for an easing of the bloc's embargo to allow arms supplies to the Syrian rebels.
We also understand that if the ban is lifted, a flood of weapons into Syria will only escalate the bloodshed.
We still believe that sincere and strong diplomacy can stop bloodshed in Syria and we hope the international community would be serious to make the diplomatic effort a success immediately.
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