The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton replied to the letter of the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy (EAFJD) urging for action to be taken to stop the destruction in the Armenian neighborhood of Nor Gyugh in Aleppo.

“The EU chares your concern on the dire condition of the Syrian Armenians, and most generally with the innocent civilians targeted by extremist forces,” Ashton’s representative Vassilis Bontosoglou replied on her behalf.

“I also am aware of the reported attacks on the village of Kessab and numerous other locations. I have always supported the consistent EU policy as expressed in numerous Foreign Affairs Council conclusions on Syria, condemning any attack on the civilian population in Syria. Most recently, EU reiterated its increasing concern with the worsening plights of all vulnerable groups, ethnic and religious minorities in Syria.”

“The EU has repeatedly pointed to the danger of Al-Qaeda and Al-Qaeda affiliates to the stability of the Middle East and is working with all stakeholders in the region to limit the influence of these groups, calling to all relevant parties to halt support to them. We are determines to engage with the third countries to deal effectively with terrorism.”

“Please be assured that we will continue to devote all of our efforts within the means at our disposal to fight extremism and to vigorously support a peaceful co-existence between all ethnic and religious groups in Syria,” the letter concluded.