Parliamentary mission to Syria to aid peace and anti-terrorism efforts

Geneva, 16 January 2015

The human suffering from the Syrian conflict continues unabated, making it imperative to find a lasting solution to bring peace and hope to the people. ©Reuters/J. Al-Mamo

A mission to the Syrian Arab Republic and Lebanon led by Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Secretary General Martin Chungong will mark the first on-the-ground effort of the global parliamentary community to help find a political solution to ending the Syrian conflict.

The mission in January will pave the way for a full fact-finding mission by MPs from across the world in the months to come.

Syria has dominated IPU concerns for several years now. Since 2012, several political resolutions have been adopted by IPU Members on the conflict and its humanitarian fall-out, the need to protect civilians and to stem the growth of terrorism.

Parliament’s role at the national and international levels to bring about national reconciliation, end violence and protect the security and rights of the Syrian people has been repeatedly stressed.

The IPU delegation will hold talks in Damascus after consultations with the Lebanese Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berry and government leaders in Beirut on the impact of the Syrian crisis on Lebanon.

Talks in the Syrian capital will be comprehensive and inclusive. They will include discussions with the Speaker of the Syrian Parliament, Mohammad Jihad al-Laham, the Parliamentary Reconciliation Group, political opposition within and outside of parliament, religious leaders and representatives from minority groups and local communities.

“The long duration of the conflict without much hope of resolution has created a vacuum now filled by extremism and terrorism. If there is to be any serious chance of tackling this dangerous and rapidly expanding phenomenon, there needs to be an end to the Syrian conflict and a genuine commitment to national reconciliation,” says IPU Secretary General Chungong. “This will provide a solid foundation for united and concerted action at every level to stem the horrific violence and human rights abuses that have now spread across much of the region.”

As the only entity that serves as an effective platform for mediating between the interests of society, a strong, representative parliament that oversees and holds government to account is critical to any political solution in Syria. It is a role that has been increasingly recognized.

“This mission is a card marker of parliamentary intent to mobilize action and dialogue on finding solutions. Parliaments have a unique role in efforts to bring peace to the region,” the IPU Secretary General adds.