The U.S. and Three European Powers on the Thirteenth Anniversary of the 'Syrian Uprising': We Will Continue to Pressure for Accountability for Assad

The United States, Britain, France, and Germany issued a joint statement on Friday, March 15, stating that the people of Syria took to the streets thirteen years ago on this day in Esfand 1389 for freedom and respect for human rights. However, 'the Assad regime responded to the peaceful protests of the people with ruthless repression,' and this repression 'continues to this day.' The joint statement notes the deaths of over five hundred thousand people and the displacement of more than half of the Syrian population: 'The coordinated efforts of Britain, the United States, France, and Germany are focused on ending the suffering of the Syrian people. We also continue to pressure for accountability for the Assad regime and the implementation of justice, and we call for the release of civilians who have been arbitrarily detained.' The U.S., France, Germany, and Britain expressed their support for the activities of organizations such as the 'Independent International Commission of Inquiry' that document the crimes of the Assad regime in Syria and the newly established independent UN institution for missing persons in Syria. The joint statement emphasizes that the war in Syria is not over and that the suffering of ordinary Syrians continues, whether at the hands of the Assad regime, its allies, or ISIS terrorists. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Ambassador to the UN, reported to this international body on December 7, expressing concern over the recent multiple attacks by the Syrian regime and Russian forces in northern Syria. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of many civilians, the displacement of over 120,000 people, and the destruction of critical infrastructure. The U.S. Ambassador to the UN also condemned the attacks by Iranian-affiliated militia groups on American personnel and facilities in Iraq and Syria, stating that the mission of these U.S. forces remains to lead the international effort to defeat ISIS. The U.S., Britain, France, and Germany expressed their increasing concern over drug trafficking in the region, stating: 'The Assad regime, with the support of Iranian-affiliated militia groups and other actors, is making huge profits from the trafficking of the drug Captagon to finance the repression of the Syrian people, and combating this requires global coordination.' The four signatory countries emphasized their commitment to ending human rights violations in Syria and referenced the peaceful protests in Sweida in southwestern Syria, stating that these protests 'demonstrate that the demands of the Syrian people for peace, freedom, and dignity, which sparked the protests 13 years ago, are still alive.' The statement concludes: 'From the perspective of our countries, there is no possibility for normalizing relations with the Assad regime, funding reconstruction, or lifting sanctions unless we witness real, meaningful, and sustainable progress towards a political solution to the crisis in Syria.' The signatory countries view adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 2254 as the only solution to the Syrian crisis. This resolution, adopted on December 17, 2015, is recognized as the roadmap for ending the Syrian crisis, emphasizing the establishment of a ceasefire, the formation of an inclusive and non-sectarian national government, and the holding of free and fair elections.