Current proposals that the Republic of South Africa and the United Nations have tabled to resolve the Syrian war, which has seen the involvement and interests of major powers displacing Syrians, tearing at the fabric of the country and forcing thousands of Syrians to migrate
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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR ORAL REPLY
QUESTION NO: 252 (NO2887E)
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 13-2016 OF 16 NOVEMBER 2016
MR MSA MASANGO (ANC) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:
What are the current proposals that the Republic and the United Nations have tabled to resolve the Syrian war, which has seen the involvement and interests of major powers displacing Syrians, tearing at the fabric of the country and forcing thousands of Syrians to migrate? NO2887E
REPLY:
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The South African Government continues to be very concerned about the devastating human tragedy unfolding itself in Syria.
Our highest priority remains to stop the killing and end the suffering of innocent civilians. There has to be an immediate end to the violence and for talks to begin to reach a Syrian-led political transition reflecting the will of the Syrian people.
South Africa condemns all human rights abuses, in particular violations of the rights of vulnerable groups, such as women and children and ethnic minorities. South Africa condemns human rights abuses and the increasing reports of war crimes and crimes against humanity that are surfacing as the fighting in Syria continues.
South Africa rejects any calls for regime change and external military interference or any action not in line with the Charter of the United Nations. We remain convinced that in a complex and diverse society such as Syria, there can be no military solution to the conflict. South Africa remains committed to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria. South Africa strongly believes that the solution to the on-going conflict must be Syrian led.
As part of BRICS, we also issued a statement during the recent Summit held in Goa in which we called on all parties involved to work for a comprehensive and peaceful resolution of the conflict taking into account the legitimate aspirations of the people of Syria, through inclusive national dialogue and a Syrian-led political process.
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