The images reaching us from southern Syria are hard to bear. The large number of civilian victims claimed by the recent clashes in Suweida province is shocking. I condemn in the strongest possible terms the attacks against members of the Druze minority. Those responsible must be held to account.

The fact that the weapons are now falling silent – thanks in part to mediation by our American partners – is good news. It is now crucial that all parties adhere to the arrangement and stop the fighting.

The Syrian Government has a duty to protect its citizens from violence, irrespective of their religion or ethnic background. In addition, the Government must launch an inclusive political process in which all citizens of Syria are represented. The German Government, along with its European partners, remains ready to actively support this process.

Syria must not become a theatre for regional tensions. With regard to the Israeli air strikes, also on Damascus, I call on all national and foreign actors not to take any action that could jeopardise Syria’s stability or the transition process.