Brussels: Europe and the Arabs The European Union is closely following the latest developments in Syria. We urge all parties to de-escalate and ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as unhindered humanitarian access in line with international humanitarian law. We condemn Russia's airstrikes on densely populated areas and its continued support for the Assad regime's repression. This came in a European statement issued in Brussels last night by the spokesman for the European Foreign and Security Policy Coordinator's office, adding, "The recent escalation once again demonstrates the need for a Syrian political solution to the conflict in line with Security Council Resolution 2254.

In the same context, Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh discussed, during a phone call, with Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, the current developments in northern Syria.

During the call, Sabbagh reviewed the nature and scope of the terrorist attack on Aleppo and Idlib, in which large numbers of foreign terrorists participated, clearly monitored by various media platforms, according to the Syrian News Agency (SANA).

Sabbagh stressed Syria's continued determination to confront terrorism with all severity and firmness, protect its citizens, extend state authority and the rule of law, and restore security and stability throughout the country.

For his part, Al-Zayani stressed Bahrain's firm position in its keenness on Syria's security, and its rejection of everything that threatens its stability, unity and territorial integrity.