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Rep. Waters Statement on Civilian Attacks in Eastern Ghouta

March 1, 2018

Rep. Waters Statement on Civilian Attacks in Eastern Ghouta

WASHINGTONCongresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, released the following statement in response to reports that more than 500 people were killed and hundreds more were injured in ongoing attacks by forces under Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Eastern Ghouta, Syria:

"I am shocked and appalled to learn that more that 500 people were killed and hundreds more were injured at the hands of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime in Eastern Ghouta, Syria. My thoughts and prayers are with those who have suffered as well as all of the people of Syria who continue to fear for their lives in the face of these unconscionable bombings, many of which have targeted hospitals. These horrific attacks are among the deadliest in the history of the Syrian Civil War.

"Such heinous attacks on innocent men, women and children by President Assad are an international disgrace. I join my colleagues in the U.S. Congress in unequivocally condemning these heartless and immoral actions. Furthermore, I call for an immediate and verifiable ceasefire by the Syrian government and its allies.

"Unfortunately, the ongoing attacks on Eastern Ghouta are not occurring in a vacuum. They are consistent with what we have always known about the Assad regime and its blatant disregard for human decency and international law. In light of such a devastating and widespread humanitarian crisis, it is imperative that the international community develop a coherent strategy on Syria, provide urgently needed humanitarian aid to the people of Syria, and hold all those who are responsible for these atrocities accountable."