Note: The following is a press release from The Dignitatis Humanae Institute
Rome, 6 September 2013
Speaking in Rome for his hopes of a genuine political effort to end the Syrian conflict, Luca Volontè stated: "The proposals for outside military intervention currently debated within Western media circles and the corridors of power promise an increase to the kill count whilst offering no applicable roadmap to a cessation of the conflict. The calls for stand-off missile strikes represent the misguided thinking of 'something must be done, this is something, therefore we must do it.' These reprisals will only add to the distress of a besieged population, blood for blood is not the solution to the Syrian conflict."
Noting the breakdown of communication between key UNSC power-brokers, Mr Volontè appealed for both sides to re-engage in negotiation:
"Rather than an upsurge in intra-state warfare, efforts would be far better concentrated on assisting the displaced refugees and redoubling efforts towards a political solution. An attempt to end this war by military victory for either side will only lead to violent reprisals against the vanquished and the descent into never-ending sectarianism.
The Dignitatis Humanae Institute appeals and adds its voice to His Holiness Pope Francis in calling for a ceasefire and the return to peace talks. The international community has a pivotal role to play in bringing both sides back to the negotiating table in an effort to find a workable political solution."
Luca Volontè also expressed concern for the two arch-bishops, Paul Yazigi and Yohanna Ibrahim, who remain missing following their kidnapping. The overwhelming majority of rebel-held territory is now ruled under Shariah Law, and the hunting of Christian clergy has become widespread. Under Islamist rule, any Christian found within this territory is now required to pay the jizya, a punitive fine dealt against non-Muslims. Mr Volontè noted; "Until anarchy and Islamism give way to pluralism and stability, the overlooked human tragedy of Syria's Christians will continue to until their elimination."
The Dignitatis Humanae Institute aims to uphold human dignity based on the anthropological truth that man is born in the image and likeness of God and therefore has an innate human dignity of infinite worth to be upheld. The Institute promotes this understanding by supporting Christians in public life, assisting them to present effective and coherent responses to increasing efforts to silence the Christian voice in the public square.
