Syria: Unacceptable Massacres
L’Œuvre d’Orient condemns the massacres in Syria, where nearly a thousand Alawite civilians and about ten Christians were killed.
Active in Syria for 160 years alongside Christian communities that serve the entire population, L’Œuvre d’Orient has expanded its presence and intensified its efforts since the start of the conflict by increasing the number of missions on the ground to serve the entire population. For the past 14 years, the population has been devastated by the regime’s mismanagement and international sanctions.
On December 8, that regime fell. Today, Syria’s new rulers have no definitive organizational structure or unified command.
A state governed by the rule of law must, however, remain a possibility, paving the way for reconstruction, while discussions are underway regarding the gradual lifting of economic sanctions that are causing suffering among the Syrian people.
The reestablishment of diplomatic missions, particularly those of European countries, would make it possible to closely monitor and support developments in Syria.
📢 The massacres of the past few days are unacceptable. They signal a clear setback for this goal. It is imperative that the new authorities take the necessary steps to shed light on these crimes. Those responsible must be brought to justice to ensure security and guarantee a future for everyone in Syria.
Bishop Pascal Gollnisch, Director of L’Œuvre d’Orient
