Written declaration No. 526 | Doc. 12988 | 27 June 2012
Syrian aggression is a threat to Europe
The Parliamentary Assembly is deeply concerned by the shooting down of an unarmed military aircraft of a member State, Turkey, by the Syrian forces on 22 June. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the families and friends of the missing Turkish pilots.
Although the aircraft was not acting or manoeuvring in a hostile way and was flying in the international airspace of the East Mediterranean with its identification systems open, the Syrian forces did not hesitate to shoot at it without any prior warning.
The Assembly states that the shooting down of a Turkish aircraft without any warning is unacceptable and condemns it in the strongest terms.
The Assembly also underlines the fact that this hostile act constitutes a flagrant and serious violation of international law.
This incident shows that the Asad regime has now extended its aggression beyond its borders, threatening regional and international peace and stability.
The Assembly commends Turkey for its resolve and restraint in the face of such a provocative attack and hopes for a continuation of this stance.
The Assembly expresses its solidarity with Turkey and urges all the relevant international organisations, in particular the UN and NATO, to clearly state that such acts of aggression can by no means be tolerated.
The Assembly finally reiterates its appreciation of Turkey’s hospitality towards Syrians who flee the oppression in their country.