The most important are the end of violence and negotiations among involved parties in Syria

Slovenian party Zares is concerned due to violence in Syria and the tragic situation in the country which is plunging into the abyss of civil war.

We believe that diplomatic measures and the international pressure, also from Russia, have to stop the smuggling of weapons to Syria, to end the violence and enable the conditions for democratic changes and possible departure of Bashar al-Assad. These would eventually also lead to the gradual transition to a democratic, open society in which the rights of ethnic and religious minorities are protected.

We expect the international community to hold the Syrian government responsible for protection of its citizens. Due to intensification of violence on religious ground, there is a danger of civil war based on ethnic and religious conflicts. We urge members of the Security Council of the United Nations to come to agreement to halt the violence immediately and to ensure that none of the involved parties endangers the others.

Party Zares believes that Slovenia should stand behind the Common Foreign and Security Policy that helps Turkey with accommodation of refugees, supports Kofi Annan six points plan and supports the creation of political institutions which will be accepted by all Syrian religious communities. Newly appointed High Representative for Human Rights should fully engage in this direction. Europe should offer its services to the involved parties whereas the trust among different ethnic and religious identities would increase if U.S., Russia and Iran would be able to overcome the geopolitical interests in the region.

We are concluding with an appeal to the Slovenian Government and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, to clearly and strongly demand from the international community to urge the Syrian government to improve the security situation and in particular to protect the citizens and the international supervision mission (UNSMIS); to strengthen the UN peacekeeping mission (Blue Helmets) and to expand its role Syria. On the bilateral level Slovenia should reach out to Russia to build upon positive influence which Moscow could have on Damascus.

Slovenia may explain its position during the next meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on June 26 2012.