Minister Terzi firmly condemns the massacre of civilians in Houla, Syria

Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi has firmly condemned the massacre of civilians by Syrian security forces in Houla. He has once again called for the immediate application of the peace plan envisaged by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2043. The first steps must be a total cessation of violence and free entry to Syria by humanitarian organisations to provide help for the population subjected to repression.

Our country will closely following the forthcoming meeting of the Security Council, where the UN and Arab League Envoy will report on developments in the situation. Italy will also be seeking a timely meeting of the Friends of Syria Group, so that an accurate assessment of the peace efforts can be made. In that forum, further recommendations should also be formulated on the best way forward to bring to a rapid end a situation that the international community can no longer accept.