The European Union calls on Damascus to hold accountable those involved in the coastal events: No reconciliation without justice

The European Union renewed its call for the Syrian government to implement the recommendations of the international commission of inquiry regarding the March events in the Syrian coast, emphasizing that accountability and holding perpetrators accountable is a fundamental condition for any reconciliation and future stability.

The spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy in the Union, Anita Heber, welcomed in an official statement the publication of the latest UN report, praising the "diligent work" carried out by the commission in documenting what it described as "serious violations" of international human rights law and humanitarian law. She also highlighted the importance of continuing cooperation between the UN commission and the independent national commission for fact-finding.

Heber expressed the European Union's concern regarding the escalation of violence and the growing community tensions in Syria, calling on Damascus to take urgent reform steps, the most prominent of which are:
Disarming the individuals involved in the violations and demobilizing them.
Restructuring the national security apparatus in accordance with international standards.
Comprehensive reform of the judiciary to ensure neutrality and the rule of law.

The statement confirmed that "there is no way to reconciliation and stability except through publicly confronting violations and holding their perpetrators accountable, whether during the era of the ousted regime or after it."

The international commission of inquiry had issued its new report on August 14 regarding the coastal events, concluding that the wave of sectarian violence witnessed in the region "likely amounts to war crimes," involving elements from the forces loyal to the ousted regime and others affiliated with the current government, in addition to civilians.

The commission demanded that the Syrian government pursue all those involved without exception, and suspend the suspects from service pending the results of the investigation.

The European Union emphasized in its statement its readiness to utilize its political and financial tools to support any path leading to a peaceful and comprehensive transition in Syria, calling on all internal and external parties to respect the unity of the country, its sovereignty, and to protect the rights of all Syrians without discrimination.