“I can say that we are very concerned, the situation is very worrisome, and we call on all sides not further escalate on the situation on the ground, what is clear is that it is a wakeup call for every political force on the ground, and also for the international community that a political solution is needed,” Tanja Fajon, Slovenia’s foreign minister told Rudaw.
A coalition of Syrian rebel groups spearheaded by the jihadist Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched a major offensive against the Syrian army over the past week. They took control of the northern city of Aleppo, the largest in the country, and advanced their offensive into Hama province.
Some NATO officials called for an immediate resolution and a ceasefire in the Middle East, as Israel’s war in Gaza also still continues.
“We are noting what is going on in Syria, and the developments have been quite fast so we are following this closely. On Middle East in general, we must see a ceasefire in order to decrease the civilian suffering that is very severe,” said Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergrad.
“We must get the parties to the negotiating table to be able to talk about a two-state solution and of course, about the release of the hostages,” she added.
The situation in Syria has sparked concerns about another wave of migrations into Europe, stressing the need to protect civilians in the combat zones.
Luxemburg’s Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel said the recent escalations pose the threat of another wave of migration, emphasizing that “it remains crucial that civilian populations are protected under all circumstances.”
Bettel stressed that no party should align themselves with any sides in the Syrian conflict.
For its part, Canada said they are following the developments, and will discuss the situation with Turkey.
“We are following this very closely, I've been in active conversation with many of my colleagues on this, and I will be meeting the Turkish foreign minister later today, so we're looking forward to having more insight on this issue.” Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said.
At least 514 fighters and civilians have lost their lives since the clashes erupted in Syria, according to the UK-based war monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).
The United Nations said that at least 50,000 people have been displaced since the fighting erupted in late November.
