Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Seán Crowe TD, has expressed his huge concerns over the escalation of the conflict in Syria. This savage war has already left approximately 8 million people displaced people inside Syria, 4.5 million refugees beyond Syrian borders, over 1 million people injured and more than 400,000 people killed. Crowe is calling for all sides to work towards an immediate ceasefire with the aim of establishing an inclusive peace process.

Speaking today Sean Crowe TD said:

“The killing of at least 52 adults and 20 children due to Sarin and Chlorine gas exposure in Khan Sheikhoun is an atrocity, that must be condemned by all.

“The Chemical Weapons Convention outlaws the production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons and their precursors. This must be enforced.

“There is an urgent need for UN war crimes examiners to get to the truth of how these innocent civilians were exposed to chemical weapons and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

“Further military attacks will not end the conflict, only perpetuate it and inflict more suffering on the Syrian people. There is no military solution to these issues.

“There is an obligation on all those involved in the conflict, including the international community and States that have strong political influence in the region, to secure a ceasefire and begin a peace process with sustainable outcomes.

“The international community must also act to resolve the humanitarian crisis within Syria and all those refugees displaced internationally by this conflict. Ireland has a significant role to play in this regard and I will be raising Syria with the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs in the Dáil next week.”

ENDS