The European Union condemned the murder of British aid worker David Haines, expressed condolences to his family and friends and vowed to continue efforts fighting terrorist groups that endanger global stability, the spokesperson said in a statement. Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Respond Kristalina Georgieva said she was shocked with the murder and urged for protection of relief workers.
“The vicious murder of British aid worker David Haines is another demonstration of ISIL’s determination to pursue and extend its terror strategy, in breach of all universally recognized values and rights,” the High Representative’s spokesperson said in the statement.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of David Haines, who dedicated his life to helping people in need in Syria and in many other places.
“We condemn this atrocious murder as well as all other terrorist acts for which Al Qaeda affiliated groups in Iraq and Syria have claimed full responsibility,” the statement said.
The EU is “more committed than ever to supporting international efforts to fight all the terrorist groups that endanger regional and global stability,” the spokesperson added.
“Together with international and regional partners, the EU will spare no effort to ensure that an end is put to this atrocious terrorist campaign and all perpetrators are held accountable,” the statement said.
In a separate statement, Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva said she was shocked by the news of the British relief worker, condemning the “horrible and despicable act.”
“David was a dedicated humanitarian worker whose only motivation and mission was to provide assistance to civilians affected by the conflict in Syria. His mission was a peaceful one, like that of all other humanitarian organisations whose only fight is to promote humanity and solidarity and deliver assistance, irrespective of identity, religion or nationality.
“Humanitarian aid is the common good of all nations and people. As such, International Humanitarian Law must be respected by everyone. All parties to a conflict must uphold the security and protection of relief workers,” Georgieva said.
