Press release: Foreign Secretary marks 1000 days of Syria crisis

This item was filled under Housing

Commenting today, William Hague said:

Today marks one thousand days since Syrians first took to the streets in large numbers calling for political and economic freedom. Instead of responding to their calls, the Syrian Government resorted to brutal violence. As a result, over 100,000 lives have been lost and more than 8.5 million people have been forced to flee their homes, 2 million of whom have become refugees. 9.3 million people are in need of and dependent on humanitarian aid. This is the biggest humanitarian catastrophe of this century.

The people of Syria want and deserve peace, but this will only come if they achieve freedom and dignity. This is why the Geneva II peace process starting in January is vital. A negotiated political transition in Syria is the only way to end the conflict, address its root causes and alleviate Syria’s humanitarian crisis. That clearly means that Assad, who has presided over this deepening conflict, cannot be part of Syria’s future.

FCO infographic on Syria

Further information

Find out how the UK is responding to the humanitarian crisis in Syria

Follow the Foreign Secretary on twitter @WilliamJHague

Follow the Foreign Office on twitter @foreignoffice

Follow the Foreign Office on facebook and Google+

Media enquiries

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.