Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Syria suspends its activities

The decision was taken due to the dramatic worsening of the internal crisis in Syria, which has led to a deteriorating security situation and made it impossible for Polish diplomats to continue to conduct the tasks assigned to them, in the face of real and credible threats.

Since January 2012, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued multiple appeals to Poles present in Syria to consider leaving the country using the available modes of transport. The MFA currently firmly reiterates this appeal and underscores that all Polish diplomatic and consular posts in the region have received instructions to provide all possible assistance to Polish citizens present in Syria. Furthermore, the MFA wishes to remind Polish citizens that under Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, they are entitled in extraordinary circumstances to request assistance from the consular post of any given EU Member State still active in Damascus. Polish citizens will also be covered by any potential EU emergency evacuation plans in line with the principles which apply equally to the citizens of other EU Member States.

Marcin Bosacki
MFA Press Spokesman