Statement by the High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini on ceasefire in Syria

The United States, Jordan and Russia have announced initiatives to support a ceasefire and delivery of humanitarian assistance in southwest Syria starting today 9 July. The implementation of these arrangements towards a nation-wide cessation of hostilities and unhindered humanitarian access is key to facilitate the intra-Syrian talks under UN-auspices in Geneva. UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura opens the next round of talks tomorrow and we all have the responsibility to give him all the support he needs to help the Syrian parties reach substantial agreement on a political transition based on UNSCR 2254.

At the Brussels Conference in April, the representatives of Syrian civil society called for " hudna, hudna, hudna". The Syrian people can build peace and find their own path towards national reconciliation; but they need the international community and regional players to create the conditions for this to happen. They can always count on the EU to do so, as we will continue to support them with all our  means.