CWN - Following the withdrawal of UN peacekeeping forces from Syria, the apostolic nuncio called for peace and lamented actions taken by both sides of the conflict.

“At this moment we must require all sides in the conflict to rigorously respect international humanitarian law which, as we've seen, has gone to pieces because of the actions of both sides,” said Archbishop Mario Zenari. “Unfortunately, now there's the impression and the general fear that things have gotten out of hand.”

“Finding a path to peace is a very difficult thing that will entail sacrifices; it's painful, but it's something that no one can do for the Syrians,” he added. “We really need to encourage all ethnic and religious groups to find the path to peace together.”