Verbatim report of proceedings

Thursday, 15 March 2018 - Strasbourg

12.6. Situation in Syria (RC-B8-0139/2018, B8-0139/2018, B8-0141/2018, B8-0142/2018, B8-0143/2018, B8-0144/2018, B8-0146/2018, B8-0150/2018)

Oral explanations of vote

  Andrejs Mamikins (S&D). – Madam President, the conflict in Syria is probably the most outrageous disaster we are confronted with. This resolution has a critical meaning not only for Syrians and for the Middle East region, but also for Europe and the future security structure in the world.

When we take a decision on Syria with the scope to target Assad’s regime, in practice, we make an impact on a very fragile regional framework that will determine our future safety. From this consideration, I voted against this resolution. The report in the way it has been drafted puts the EU on the side of the problem and not on the side of the solution.

Let us ask ourselves what concrete results we managed to achieve by introducing restrictive measures against Syrian officials. Is the EU really acquiring the face of diplomacy, and can we really call our approach inclusive and multilateral if we exclude big players such as Russia or Iran? That is why again and again, I voted against this resolution.

  President. – We did not vote on corporate social responsibility so we should not have an explanation of vote on that.