EU foreign affairs chief calls for de-escalation of tension in Syria

The European Union foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini here on Monday called on all in the region of Syria to calm rhetoric and actions and to try to contain the escalations or de-escalate the tensions.

Speaking at the EU foreign ministers' meeting, Mogherini urged the parties "in particular to protect the fragile but very important process that we all started just a few months ago to bring to an end to the Syrian conflict."

During the meeting, the ministers discussed Syria and developments in the region. They expressed full support for UN Security Council resolution 2254 endorsing a "roadmap" for a peace process in Syria and setting a timetable for talks.

The ministers also discussed the EU's position ahead of a Syria donors' conference in London on Feb. 4. They condemned the targeting of civilians and emphasized the importance of UN-led confidence building measures.

The ministers adopted conclusions on Libya, expressing full support for the political agreement signed on Dec. 17 last year and welcoming the formation of the Presidency Council.

"The EU and its member states will support the Government of National Accord (GNA) as the sole legitimate government of Libya, urging all Libyan institutions to accept the authority of the GNA," according to the conclusions on Libya.

Moreover, the ministers adopted conclusions on the Middle East peace process, reaffirming its support to calls by the Quartet for significant steps to be taken in order to restore confidence and rebuild trust.

Finally, although Iran was not on the agenda, Mogherini updated ministers on implementation of the Iranian nuclear deal during the meeting.

"We shared the assessment of the fact that this is indeed a turning point, not only for security and stability in the region; it opens new ways for bilateral cooperation," she said. Endit