Following today's discussion in the European Parliament's plenary session in Strasbourg on the EU strategy on Syria, S&D Group vice-president Victor Boştinaru said:

"It is time to ensure there is a future for the people of Syria. The main objective of the EU strategy for Syria should be ensuring the respect of the ceasefire and the facilitation of a political solution, which also includes a UN monitoring and enforcement mechanism.

"The European Union is the largest donor to the Syrian crisis and through the last Brussels conference, the EU has committed itself to providing a consistent post-conflict contribution to the reconstruction! Thus, we call on the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs, Federica Mogherini, to leverage this significant financial contribution in order play a much-needed, active and effective role in the negotiations and ensure that a fair and just political transition will come as soon as possible for the Syrian people. We cannot leave this in the hands of an illegitimate regime that has slaughtered its own citizens. We cannot let the Syrian moderate opposition down, nor the people of Syria! Civilians continue suffering and being targeted; we must ensure the ceasefire is respected, as well as unhindered access for humanitarian aid.

"Thus, it is also important to make sure that the recent memorandum signed between Russia, Turkey and Iran on setting up de-escalation zones will not allow the further targeting of the Syrian moderate opposition!

"Early accountability is key to reconciliation and for long-lasting stability. A lost and traumatised Syrian generation needs justice to recover from an atrocious war. Therefore, we reiterate the call on the UN Security Council to refer these crimes to the International Criminal Court and continue to encourage all states to apply the principle of universal jurisdiction in tackling impunity.

"We welcome the United Nations initiative to convene today a new round of indirect Syrian peace talks in Geneva and express our support for the UN envoy, Staffan de Mistura, in his efforts to enter into the substance of the political transition and discuss the future constitutional set-up of Syria."