West reacts on south Syria’s anti-government protests
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Days following the anti-government protests that erupted in Syria’s two southern governorates of Daraa and Suwayda, the West began to react and clear their positions.
Since August 17, hundreds of the people of Daraa and Suwayda have taken to the streets to protest against the Syrian government due to the deterioration of the living and economic conditions, especially after the government raised the fuel prices.
At the UN Security Council briefing on the political situation in Syria, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US Representative to the UN said “we’ve seen peaceful protests in cities like Daraa and Al Suweida, where Syrians have called for political changes and for all parties to uphold Resolution 2254.”
“These are areas where the revolution started, and it is clear that peaceful demands have not been met,” she added.
Thomas-Greenfield pointed out that after 12 years of war “the Syrian people continue to suffer the daily reality you detailed – airstrikes, surface-missile attacks, torture and detention, and the denial of humanitarian aid.”
Brigitte Curmi, France’s Special Envoy for Syria said in a tweet they watch the protests in Syria showing her government’s support to demands of the Syrian people.
“Alongside the Syrian people in their constant demand to live in dignity,” she tweeted.
Ann Snow, The United Kingdom Special Representative for Syria, said the Syrian people would never give up. “Watching protests in Syria, it’s clear that Syrians will never give up and I applaud their bravery,” she tweeted, adding “Everyone should have the right to live in dignity.”
German Special Envoy for Syria, Stefan Schneck, thanked the courage of the protesters of Daraa and Suwayda saying, “We commend the courage of the people of Suwayda and Daraa who are demanding justice, freedom and citizenship.”
“We stand with those calling for peaceful dialogue, the release of detainees, and the realization of their legitimate aspirations,” he said in a tweet.
“Every citizen deserves to have a voice and the right to live in dignity. We call on the Syrian regime to refrain from violence against peaceful protests,” Schneck added.
Geir Pedersen, UN Special Envoy for Syria said the tragedy of the Syrian conflict lies in the blockade of the political process the matter may increase the suffering of the Syrians.
“The tragic reality is that, for as long as violent conflict continues, and the political process is blocked, the suffering of the Syrian people will simply get worse,” Pedersen said.
“Syria cannot fix its economy while it is in a state of conflict. And this applies to the many other crises that ravage Syria,” he stressed.
The UN envoy added that prices for food, medicine, fuel and other essential goods are “spiralling out of control,” and that many families are struggling to get enough to eat.