WASHINGTON — Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and his backers bear responsibility for years of war and human suffering that followed, foreign ministers of the Western powers said in a joint statement on Monday. The statement by United States Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio and UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab was issued on the occasion of the 10-year anniversary of the Syrian uprising. The foreign ministers said that the Assad regime's response over the last 10 years to peaceful protests calling for reform has been one of appalling violence. "We praise the brave individuals and organizations who over the last ten years have exposed the truth from Syria, documented and pursued abuses, mass atrocities and grave violations of international law to hold the perpetrators accountable and delivered vital assistance to communities. That work remains essential," the statement read. The ministers also voiced their concern over the plight of millions of Syrian refugees as well as those internally displaced who cannot yet return home without fear of violence, arbitrary arrest, and torture. "Continued conflict has also led to space for terrorists, particularly Daesh, to exploit. Preventing Daesh's resurgence remains a priority, they added in the statement The Western powers called on the regime and its supporters to engage seriously in the political process and allow humanitarian assistance to reach communities in need. The foreign ministers in the joint statement reaffirmed their countries' commitment toward the peaceful resolution of the Syrian crisis. "We, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States, will not abandon the Syrian people. Our nations commit to reinvigorating the pursuit of a peaceful solution which protects the rights and future prosperity of all Syrians," the statement read. The ministers also vowed that they will firmly continue to press for accountability for the most serious crimes. "We will continue to support the important role of the Commission of Inquiry and the international, impartial and independent mechanism. We welcome the ongoing efforts by national courts to investigate and prosecute crimes within their jurisdiction committed in Syria. We will not tolerate Syria's non-compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention and fully support the work of the OPCW in this regard. We will continue to strongly call for a nationwide ceasefire, unhindered aid access through all possible routes to those in need," the statement added. They extended their support for UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen's efforts to resolve this conflict. "Clear progress towards an inclusive political process and an end to the repression of the Syrian people is essential. We cannot allow this tragedy to last another decade," the statement concluded.
