The Federal Foreign Office condemns yesterday’s terrorist attack in the Syrian city of Afrin in the strongest possible terms. The attack using a fuel tanker claimed the lives of dozens of civilians, including many children. Once again, the conflict, which has gone on for far too long, is being played out at the expense of the suffering Syrian people. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the victims’ families and loved ones. We wish those who sustained injuries a swift and complete recovery.

We join in the call by the UN envoys to the Middle East for a lasting ceasefire in Syria, particularly during the fasting month of Ramadan and in view of the coronavirus crisis. The German Government remains committed to its endeavours to achieve a peaceful solution to the conflict in Syria and will continue working hard to bring about an end to war, displacement, state persecution and terror, for example at today’s meeting on Syria in the UN Security Council.