News

On 17 March, the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Sigitas Mitkus participated in the ninth edition of the Brussels Conference “Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition.”

The Foreign Vice-Minister called on the new Syrian government to ensure an inclusive political process during the transition, to deliver on its promises of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to distance itself from the legacy of the Assad regime.

"In accordance with international law, we call for accountability for gross human rights violations, as well as for countering foreign malign influence, supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and Georgia," said Mitkus.

Lithuania's Foreign Vice-Minister announced Lithuania's pledge to help Syria and Syrians during the transitional period by allocating EUR 100,000  in assistance. The funds will be transferred through to the International Organization for Migration and through the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism.

The Brussels Conference has been held every year since 2017 to show political attention to the Syrian crisis and civil society and raise funds for Syrian refugees and their host countries in Syria's neighbourhood. The event brings together representatives of more than 100 countries and international organizations, mainly refugee-hosting countries, international donors, and United Nations agencies. This year's conference was held for the first time since the fall of the brutal Assad regime and was attended by representatives of the new Syrian government.