CARICOM and Cuba Concerned About Potential Widening of Syrian Conflict

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries and Cuba have expressed concerns about a possible widening of the conflict in Syria and reiterated their unwavering commitment to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

CARICOM foreign ministers who met with their Cuban counterpart here on Friday issued a joint declaration expressing deep concern for the loss of human life, the allegations of the use of chemical weapons, the possibility of a wide war in Syria and for the dangers it may entail to the region of the Middle East.

The United States has said it had irrefutable evidence that the chemical weapons were used by the Bashar al-Assad administration resulting in the deaths of nearly 1500 people, including more than 400 children, last month.

The Obama administration has promised military retaliation and is awaiting support from the US Congress for its impending action.

In their declaration, the foreign ministers said they were supportive of the United Nations as well as the avenue of multilateralism offered for concerted positive global action, the fundamental principles of International Law, the respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal matters of States, territorial integrity, the peaceful resolution of disputes and the prohibition of threats or the use of force in international relations.

They said they were re-affirming their support for peace and for the principles of international law including the peaceful solution of disputes, and stress that any military action against Syria must be carried out in full conformity with the Charter of the United Nations.