IDPD expresses serious concern at situation developing in Syria

Ludhiana, August 29, 2013: Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) has expressed serious concern at the situation developing in Syria.

“We firmly believe that chemical weapons should never be used, and existing stockpiles should be eliminated in line with the Chemical Weapons Convention”, said the IDPD president Dr. LS Chawla and general secretary Dr. Arun Mitra in a statement here on Thursday.

They added chemical weapons are banned because of their capacity to cause indiscriminate deaths in large numbers, extreme suffering and long-term disability.

“We call on all parties involved in the present conflict in Syria to ensure that any existing stockpiles of chemical weapons are placed under safeguards and that there is no intentional use, or threat of use, whatever the circumstances. UN weapons inspectors must be allowed full and safe access to investigate suspected chemical weapons use”, they said. 

They said IDPD demands free and safe access of the population to medical care. To make medical facilities and personnel a target of violence is unacceptable and a gross violation of international humanitarian law.

“We urge all parties to the civil war in Syria to engage in negotiations to resolve the conflict”, they demanded. They said any attack on Syria by the US and allies can lead to further deterioration of situation not only in Syria but the whole Arab region. This could cause serious worldwide security and economic crises.