Damascus - Brussels: Europe and the Arabs - Agencies
Syria confirmed that some Western countries' repetition of their negative positions before the "Eighth Conference in Brussels" aims to divert attention from the real causes of Syrians' suffering.
The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement: “Some well-known Western countries are repeating their negative positions before the so-called eighth conference in Brussels to (support the future of Syria and the region), which confirms the continuation of their wrong policies that they have been following towards Syria for more than ten years until now.” "And based on its fabricated stories and malicious intentions."
The statement added: “The positions of these countries aim to divert attention from the real causes of the Syrians’ suffering, which is represented by their support for terrorist organizations, including those listed on the Security Council’s lists, facilitating the plunder of national wealth, and imposing unilateral, inhumane coercive measures on the Syrian people.”
The Ministry explained, “On the other hand, and in contrast to the unacceptable approach adopted by the conference organizers, the objective positions expressed by some countries during the conference demonstrated the need to follow a different approach based on supporting efforts to strengthen early recovery projects and livelihoods, and supporting resilience, in a way that contributes to Improving the humanitarian and living conditions of Syrians, and allowing the dignified return of Syrian refugees to their homes.”
At the conclusion of its statement, the Ministry stressed "the importance of financing the United Nations humanitarian response plan in Syria, away from any political considerations or narrow agendas promoted by Western countries."
The ministerial meeting of the Eighth Brussels Conference on “The Future of Syria and the Region” was launched in the Belgian capital, Brussels, on Monday, with the aim of “renewing financial and political support for the crisis that has existed in Syria for 13 years, and its repercussions on the countries hosting refugees.”
This comes just two days after a statement issued by the European Commission in Brussels stating that on May 27, during the eighth session of the Brussels Conference on “Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region” hosted by the European Union, the donor community pledged a total amount of 7.5 billion euros. This strong commitment once again demonstrates the desire of the European Union and the international community to mitigate the impact of the Syrian crisis. And support the population in Syria and neighboring countries.
The total amount of pledges includes €5 billion in grants and €2.5 billion in loans for 2024 and beyond.
The total figure includes the €2.12 billion pledged by the European Union for the years 2024 and 2025, which was announced during the conference by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell. The total amount pledged by the European Union and its Member States reached nearly €6 billion, reaffirming that they are the largest donor to the response to the Syrian crisis.
The Ministerial Meeting brought together representatives of EU Member States, neighboring states, other partner states and international organisations, including the United Nations and international financial institutions, to mobilize vital financial support to meet the most urgent needs of Syrians and their host communities in the region. The event concluded with the announcement of the global pledge amount by the Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčić.
Since 2011, the European Union and its Member States have been the largest donors of humanitarian and resilience assistance to Syria and the region, providing more than €33 billion to date in response to the Syrian crisis. This funding is considered effective in helping those in need inside Syria and in neighboring countries hosting Syrian refugees. The European Union will continue to mobilize all tools at its disposal to support the Syrian people in reaching a negotiated political solution in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254, and to help create the conditions for a brighter future for all Syrians.
The ministerial meeting relied on the results of the “Dialogue Day” held on April 30. More than 600 participants in the “Day of Dialogue” - Syrian civil society organizations from Syria, neighboring countries and diaspora; United nations; Member states of the European Union; Partner countries and international NGOs - views were exchanged during six thematic panel discussions, focusing on: the political process and UN Security Council Resolution 2254; early recovery and resilience; health and education; livelihood opportunities; The issue of missing persons and accountability.
The main points from the dialogue day were conveyed during the ministerial meeting by three rapporteurs from Syrian civil society. Preparations for the conference included holding online and in-country consultations with civil society organizations active in the Syrian crisis.