Council conclusions on Syria

On 17 October 2016, the Council of the European Union adopted Conclusions on Syria, condemning the ongoing violence in the area - in particular in the city of Aleppo and against the civilian population - and called for the intensification of diplomatic efforts to restore peace.

The European Union called on Russia to stop all bombing in Syria, but stopped short of threatening further punitive action. It said it would work with the United Nations to redouble efforts to get humanitarian aid into the devastated city of Aleppo.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Foreign Affairs Council, 17-18 October 2016 http://www.europeansources.info/record/foreign-affairs-council-17-18-october-2016/

ESO: Background information: Putin cancels Paris visit in Syria row http://www.europeansources.info/record/putin-cancels-paris-visit-in-syria-row/

EU: EEAS: Speech, 17.10.16: Remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini following the discussion on Syria at the Foreign Affairs Council http://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/12240/remarks-by-high-representativevice-president-federica-mogherini-following-the-discussion-on-syria-at-the-foreign-affairs-council-_en

Politico 17.10.16: Appalled’ EU calls for new talks on Syria http://www.politico.eu/article/appalled-eu-calls-for-new-talks-on-syria/

Deutsche Welle, 17.10.16: EU governments unite behind urgent call to 'save Aleppo' http://dw.com/p/2RM6O

EurActiv, 18.10.16: EU condemns Russia over Aleppo, to impose more Syrian sanctions http://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/eu-condemns-russia-over-aleppo-to-impose-more-syrian-sanctions/

EUObserver, 18.10.16: EU shames Russia on Aleppo 'massacre' https://euobserver.com/foreign/135542

Euro|Topics: Debates, October 2016: What tack should the EU take vis-à-vis Moscow? http://www.eurotopics.net/en/167643/what-tack-should-the-eu-take-vis-a-vis-moscow

Politico, 20.10.16: EU’s long wait for permission to deliver aid to Aleppo http://www.politico.eu/article/eus-long-wait-for-permission-to-deliver-aid-to-aleppo-christos-stylianides-european-commission/

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