The EU strongly condemns the terrorist attack perpetrated yesterday against Mar Elias church in Damascus, which claimed a large number of victims. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims.

This heinous and cowardly violence against Christians is an attack against all Syrians. It is a grave reminder of the need to intensify efforts against the terrorist threat and to ensure the enduring defeat of Daesh and other terrorist organisations. At this critical juncture for the country, the EU stands in solidarity with the Syrian people and supports all efforts by the transitional authorities aimed at ensuring the security of all Syrians with no discrimination of the basis of ethnic and religious background.