Ongoing Violence in Syria

Floor Speech

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Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my growing concern regarding the events unfolding in Syria. President Assad has repeatedly refused to usher in democratic reforms for his people and instead has chosen to continue his indiscriminate killings of innocent men, women, and children. His ruthless campaign of brutality has now shifted to northern Syria, where Syrian security forces led by President Assad's brother have instilled fear in the residents. Many of those innocently protesting for reform and freedom have been gunned down and many more have fled their homes, leaving all belongings and possessions behind.

With a complete ban on the entry of foreign journalists into the country, it is nearly impossible to determine just how dire the circumstances are. However, with the thousands of Syrians fleeing the violence into nearby Turkey, it is clear that conditions both in Syria and on the Turkish-Syrian border are deteriorating.

I therefore urge President Assad to allow humanitarian aid groups access into Syria. By refusing entry, President Assad has forced his own people to not only live under deplorable conditions but he has forced them to live in a constant state of fear. Aid groups must be allowed in to provide the vital care. If the Syrian regime has any compassion, it will do so.

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