The United Arab Emirates called on Thursday for an end to the violence in Eastern Ghouta that lies on the outskirts of the Syrian capital Damascus. The Emirati foreign ministry expressed concern at the escalation of violence and called for an "immediate truce" to halt the bloodshed and protect civilians. The ministry also called for allowing humanitarian and medical aid to civilians.  It reiterated that only a political solution can resolve the Syrian crisis. The statement appealed to all parties to activate the UN’s Geneva-based political process.