Meimarakis' urgent question to the EU Commission "on the massacres of Christians in Syria"

In his question, Mr. Meimarakis calls on the European Commission “to condemn these heinous crimes, to request an investigation not only through the UN but also through all available international mechanisms and to ensure, inter alia, through the imposition of sanctions on the individuals or entities involved, that those responsible for these crimes are held accountable”.

The full text of the question follows, as announced in a relevant announcement:

Recent developments in Syria are extremely worrying, with reports of mass massacres of religious minorities, in particular Alawites and Christians, including many Greek Orthodox. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, hundreds of civilians have been executed, while the persecution of minorities appears to have intensified following the latest political developments in the country.

The EU is committed to upholding human rights and religious freedom in its international relations, and has established a framework for sanctions against those responsible for human rights violations in Syria. However, the continuation of these crimes requires further action.

In light of the above, can the Commission say:

1. Does the EU High Representative intend to formally condemn the massacres of religious minorities in Syria and call for an international investigation through the UN or other international mechanisms?

2. What further diplomatic or political initiatives can the European Commission take to ensure that those responsible for these crimes are held to account?

3. Does the Commission intend to propose to the Council the imposition of new targeted sanctions on individuals or entities involved in the massacres and persecution of religious minorities in Syria?