Syrian regime, Russia must end atrocities in Aleppo - EU leaders

BRUSSELS, Oct 21 (KUNA) -- Leaders of the 28-member EU have strongly condemned the attacks by the Syrian regime and its allies, notably Russia, on civilians in Aleppo.
Speaking at a press conference early Friday after the end of the first day of a 2-day EU summit, the President of the EU Council Donald Tusk called on Russia and the Syrian regime "to bring the atrocities to an end and to take urgent steps to ensure unhindered humanitarian access to Aleppo and other parts of the country." The EU leaders in a statement also called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for resumption of a credible political process under UN auspices.
"Those responsible for breaches of international humanitarian law and human rights law must be held accountable. The EU is considering all available options, should the current atrocities continue," stressed the statement.
"Everything should be done to extend the ceasefire, bring in humanitarian aid to the civilian population and create the conditions for opening negotiations on a political transition in Syria," said the EU leaders. Tusk said the summit had a broad discussion about Russia.
"Leaders emphasized all sorts of Russian activities, from airspace violations, disinformation campaigns, cyber-attacks, interference into the political processes in the EU and beyond, , to developments in the MH17 investigation," he said.
" It is clear that Russia's strategy is to weaken the EU," Tusk noted.
On migration, the statement said that illegal flows on the Central Mediterranean route, that is from Africa to Italy, remain far too high and actually haven't changed for the last two years and that is why they discussed how to enhance cooperation with Africa.
In the Eastern Mediterranean route, the situation has improved, with a 98% drop in arrivals since last year. That is why leaders could discuss getting back to Schengen, said the statement.
Tusk said they were glad to welcome UK Prime Minister Theresa May to her first EU summit.
"Prime Minister May confirmed that the UK will invoke Article 50 before the end of March next year. There will be no negotiations until Article 50 is triggered by the UK and so we did not discuss Brexit tonight," he added. (end) nk.gta