Council conclusions on the regional impact of the Syria crisis (Brussels, 18 November 2013)

 The Council adopted the following conclusions: 

"1.     The EU reiterates its grave concern for the humanitarian, social, economic, political and security impact of the Syrian crisis on the entire region, especially Lebanon and Jordan. The EU is mindful of the unprecedented effects the crisis has on the stability of the neighbouring countries as well as on their natural and economic resources, educational systems, health care and labour markets.
 
2.       The EU is gravely concerned with the fact that 9.3 million Syrians within Syria are in dire need of external assistance. In particular, it reiterates its concern for the fate of 6.5 million of internally displaced Syrians and of more than 2 million refugees in neighbouring countries, all in need of external assistance. The EU is gravely concerned about the impact of the upcoming winter on the most vulnerable and the polio outbreak inside Syria and urges for timely vaccinations, which require that all parties to the conflict grant full access to health teams participating in the polio immunization campaign throughout the country. [read more…]                     

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