France expresses its deep concern over the serious violence that has occurred in Syria in recent days in the provinces of Tartous, Latakia and Homs. This was stated in a statement by the French Foreign Ministry.

France condemns in the strongest terms the atrocities to which civilians have been subjected on religious grounds.

Paris calls on the Syrian interim authorities to ensure that independent investigations shed light on these crimes and that the perpetrators are convicted.

France reaffirms its commitment to a peaceful and inclusive political transition, free of foreign interference, that guarantees the preservation of ethnic and religious pluralism in Syria, which is the only way to prevent the country from descending into fragmentation and violence. Paris will make every effort to that end.