Implications of the US-Russia ceasefire deal for Syria

19.9.2016

Question for written answer P-006950-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Neena Gill (S&D)

The US-Russia deal reached on a ceasefire in Syria this month includes the establishment of a joint US-Russia implementation centre which will organise military targeting through airstrikes against the terrorist groups ISIS and Jabhat al-Nusra.

While the ceasefire deal itself is to be welcomed, it is of concern that the joint military action will entail the sharing of US military intelligence with the Russian government, given Russia’s support for the Assad regime in conducting airstrikes in opposition-held areas, leading to the deaths of over 2 000 civilians following attacks targeted on markets, hospitals, schools and homes over the past six months.

1. Does the Commission share these concerns, and have they been raised bilaterally with the US as well as in multilateral fora, including the UN and the Friends of Syria Group?

2. What steps will be taken in order to ensure continued support from the US for a credible political process based on the Geneva communiqué, which includes a call for a transition of power?

3. What actions does the Commission intend to take in order to push for the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 2165 on humanitarian aid access as an integral part of the ceasefire deal?