The reports of violent clashes in Syria in recent days, particularly in Damascus and southern parts of the country, are deeply worrying. The Federal Government condemns these outbreaks of violence and calls on all sides to contribute to a peaceful settlement of the conflicts. Any form of incitement or hate speech must cease. The government in Damascus must bring an end to the violence and protect the civilian population.

Moreover, we call on the Syrian Government to hold talks with the individual population groups on their future role in Syria. Progress must be made in this area as quickly as possible in order to guarantee the full participation of all population groups in the political process.

The investigation of crimes committed and reconciliation between the population groups in Syria is indispensable. It is clear that decades of dictatorship and civil war have left deep wounds that must be healed through a transparent process and with the help of transitional justice. Germany stands ready to support the prosecution of past crimes and reconciliation.

Syria must not fall victim to regional tensions. We therefore urge all actors – domestic and foreign – to exercise maximum restraint. The protection and integration of Syrian minorities remains the central task of the Syrian Government.