The chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, David McAllister, and the chair of the Delegation for relations with the Mashreq countries, which includes Syria, Laurent Castillio, condemned the suicide terrorist attack against the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Elias in Damascus on June 25 that claimed the lives of tens of parishioners during the liturgy.

In the statement, the two EP officials extended their “deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims,” expressing hope for a speedy recovery of those injured.

The MEPs expressed their total and unwavering solidarity with the Christian community in Syria, underlining that the “brutal attack” was deeply alarming, which underscored the urgent need to intensify efforts to combat Islamist terrorism and affiliated groups, particularly ISIS, across the region.

The statement further calls for the protection of all communities and minorities in Syria from persecution, violence, and discrimination.

“For the country’s stability, it is imperative that Syrian authorities take all necessary measures to safeguard Syria’s unity, independence, territorial integrity, and secular character,” the officials concluded.

Earlier, Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis expressed his “horror” over the terrorist attack during a phone call with the Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, John X.