Hundreds of figures call on Pope Francis to intervene to lift coercive measures imposed on Syria

More than 500 figures from all over the world, some of them of Syrian origins, have called on Pope Francis, Pope of the Vatican, to work and make efforts to lift the unjust and coercive economic measures imposed by Western countries on the Syrian people which target their livelihood.

In a letter to Pope Francis ten years after the terrorist war on Syria, these figures noted that the unjust coercive measures have caused a human tragedy that tends to become a catastrophic situation if it is not dealt with quickly, especially with some hegemonic powers working to escalate these sanctions which target the Syrian people.

The signatories of the letter stated that the terrorist war and the sanctions have caused the suffering of the Syrian people due to the lack of food and other humanitarian supplies without any right.

They indicated at the same time that Syria before 2011 was one of the most producing countries of wheat and food in the Middle East, shedding light on the rich history and high culture of the Syrian people.

The letter mentioned the report prepared by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights Alena Douhan on the 29th of last December and called for lifting these unilateral coercive measures, indicating that the coercive measures imposed on Syria prevented the sending of humanitarian aid from some economic institutions due to their fear of being subjected to retaliatory measures.

The signatories of the letter also called on Pope Francis “to act urgently, otherwise the situation in Syria will worsen and we will witness a repeat of the catastrophe that befell Iraq as a result of the sanctions before 2003” and said, “We have no doubt about the Pope’s ability to be a strong defender of peace and justice for the Syrian people.”

The signatories concluded their message by saying that Syria is a wonderful country with a rich history and culture and it has been known for coexistence among its various components.

Source : SANA