The Welsh Parliament (Senedd) has issued a statement of opinion regarding the ongoing attacks in Syria and the forced displacement in Kurdish regions. Drafted by South Wales Central MP Rhys ab Owen MS and signed by David Rees MS, Jane Dodds MS, and Mike Hedges MS before being submitted to parliament, the statement highlights the humanitarian crisis faced by the Kurdish people and calls on the warring parties to immediately cease fire and engage in dialogue.
The statement of opinion, titled “Supporting peace and humanitarian efforts in Syria” and adopted by the Parliament, expresses support for the international community’s efforts to achieve lasting peace between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Damascus government.
Referring to the attacks on the Kurdish neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsood and Ashrafiyah in Aleppo, the statement emphasized that tens of thousands of civilians had been forcibly displaced from these areas and expressed “deep concern” about the situation.
The statement referred to the call made by the US Special Representative for Syria, urging all parties to “exercise maximum restraint,” immediately end hostilities, and return to the negotiating table. It noted that military solutions have produced no outcome other than further destruction and displacement in Syria.
Senedd made an open call to both the Welsh Government and the UK Government, urging them to actively support peace efforts in Syria based on dialogue and humanitarian measures. The statement concluded by highlighting solidarity with the Kurdish people.