Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Says Syrian Developments Require Compounding Efforts to Ensure Accountability

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Says Syrian Developments Require Compounding Efforts to Ensure Accountability

New York / Information Office / September 28

HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said that the latest developments in Syria, particularly the escalation of violence against civilians and the possibility of attacks using chemical weapons, requires compounding efforts to guarantee accountability for these crimes.

This came in a statement by His Excellency during a meeting on the sidelines of the 73rd UN General Assembly on the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to assist in the investigation and prosecution of persons responsible for the most serious crimes under International Law committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011.

HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that the State of Qatar has honored the $1 million contribution to the international mechanism, thanking all countries who provided financial support to it. His Excellency also urged for more voluntary pledges and for further support be provided in the future.

His Excellency said that the entire international community is demanding a political resolution in Syria in line with UN Security resolution no. 2254, adding that justice was a main component of a sustainable resolution.

His Excellency added that the national judicial system in Syria has proved day after day that it lacks the ability or desire to hold accountable any party that committed war crimes or crimes against humanity in Syria, noting that the Security Council did not take any measures to resolve that issue as well. His Excellency stressed the need for the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism, which would strengthen efforts to find a solution to the Syrian crisis and remove obstacles to the sustainability and success of the solution, political transition and national consensus.

HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said that the latest developments in Syria, particularly the escalation of violence against civilians and the possibility of attacks using chemical weapons, requires compounding efforts to guarantee accountability for these crimes.

His Excellency said that the success of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism will hinge on a number of factors, the most important of which is the political commitment of the countries and its reflection on the ground. His Excellency encouraged the member countries to cooperate with the mechanism, including by providing the information and the evidence they have. HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs welcomed the international mechanism's coordination with the international investigation committee on Syria, with the goal of exchanging information and evidence, stressing on the importance of cooperation and coordination between the international mechanism and non-governmental organizations in order to document violations.

His Excellency also welcomed the international mechanism's signing of cooperation protocols with 28 organizations back in April in Lausanne, saying it will contribute to ensuring justice, accountability, and redress for the victims.

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs said that the State of Qatar looks forward to activating the international mechanism's role, and to reaching tangible results on the way to achieving justice, accountability, and sustainable peace in Syria.