Switzerland alarmed over escalating violence in Syria

The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) deplored on Thursday the upsurge in fighting in parts of Syria, warning that the cessation of hostilities agreement is integral to UN efforts seeking to broker a political solution to the five-year crisis.

"The FDFA strongly condemns any attacks directly targeting the civilian population, as was the case in recent weeks in the provinces of Idlib and Aleppo," the authority said in a written statement.

"Such attacks constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law, in particular the fundamental principle of distinction," it added.

The fragile truce, in place since February 27, has by and large hold though certain areas are witnessing incremental violence which is not only jeopardizing the delivery of aid but also endangering Geneva-based intra-Syrian talks seeking to find a political solution to the conflict.

Over 250,000 people have died since fighting broke out in March 2011, while millions of others have been displaced as a result of protracted violence and reigning insecurity.

The state has also become a hotbed for terrorist factions, with the Islamic State and the al-Nusra Front controlling large swaths of territory.

"Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, calls on all parties to the conflict in Syria to strictly respect international humanitarian law, including the principles governing the conduct of hostilities," FDFA concluded. 

Source: XINHUA