Government condemns terrorist attack in Syria

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Pretoria – Government has condemned an attack, which claimed the lives of more than 30 school children and left many more injured in the city of Homs in Syria.

“South Africa maintains that there can be no justification for the targeting of schools and school children and therefore unequivocally condemns this heinous crime as a grave violation of human rights, which constitutes crime against humanity in terms of International Humanitarian Law,” said International Relations and Cooperation spokesman Clayson Monyela.

Twin bombs were detonated as kids aged between six and nine years were leaving school in Homs last week.

“South Africa calls upon all parties to cease all hostilities and to return to a process of all-inclusive negotiations, which should lead to a Government of National Unity,” Monyela said on Wednesday.

Government called on the international community to work towards stopping the flow of weapons and personnel into Syria.

He said South Africa regrets the fact that the Syrian conflict has been raging for more than three years with devastating humanitarian consequences, in particular the vulnerable groups such as women and children, who bear the brunt of the conflict.

Monyela said there can be no military solution to the ensuing conflict and if the crisis continues, the people of Syria will continue to pay the ultimate price.

“The South African Government sends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, the people and the government of the Syrian Arab Republic,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za