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РусскийCatherine Ashton responds to ANC Europe
The Armenian National Committee of Europe received yesterday a letter from Vice-President of the EU Commission, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton in response to the Committee’s letter dated 6 June 2014 in which the Committee had expressed its concern about the fate of the Syrian-Armenian community, the attack on Kessab, Turkey’s role in the Syrian crisis, as well as the situation facing vulnerable ethnic and religious communities amid the war.
The following is the content of the letter:
European External Action Service
General Directorate of North Africa, the Middle East, the Arabic Peninsula, Iran and Iraq
Middle East Division 1. Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria
Head of Division
Brussels, 3 July 2014
Dear Mr. Garabedian,
Thank you for your letter dated 6 June and addressed to High Representative, Mrs. Ashton in which you reflected on the state of the Syrian-Armenians. She asked me to respond to you on her behalf.
The European Union shares your concerns about the heavy situation facing the Syrian-Armenians, especially the innocent civilians who have become a target for the extremists.
I’m also aware of the attacks on Kessab and several other residential areas. I’ve always supported the European Union’s consistent policies presented in the conclusions of the European External Action Council on Syria and have condemned every attack on the civilians of Syria. Recently, the European Union reminded once again about its growing concern about the deteriorating situation facing vulnerable groups, as well as ethnic and religious minorities in Syria.
The European Union has indicated the danger that Qaeda and its supportive groups present to the stability in the Middle East several times. The European Union works with all the sides in the region in order to limit the impact of such groups. It urges them to stop their support. We have clearly decided to work with third countries for an effective struggle against terrorism.
Please, be rest assured that we’ll continue to put in all our efforts to fight against extremism and that we’ll help the different ethnic and religious minorities of Syria live in unity and peace.
Sincerely,
Vasilis Bondosoglu
