Brussels, Jumada II 25, 1438, Mar 24, 2017, SPA -- The European Union stressed that the resumption of talks between the Syrian parties in Geneva this week represents an essential step on the road to finding a political solution to the conflict in Syria. In a statement issued by European External Action Service (EEAS), that conflict is entering its seventh year - a demonstration in itself that there can be no lasting military solution to it. "The ceasefire agreement signed in Astana must be fully implemented, the guarantors need to ensure that it is respected through the trilateral monitoring mechanism. All parties and actors must protect the civilian population and allow full and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need in all areas. The European Union remains firmly committed to support the efforts of the UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura in the new round of intra-Syrian talks in Geneva to facilitate negotiations between the parties," the statement added. The EU-hosted conference on "Supporting the future of Syria and the Region" in Brussels on 5 April will aim to strengthen international support for the Geneva talks, ensure adequate funding for the humanitarian needs of the region and reinforce support for the neighboring countries that are bearing a heavy burden from the conflict. --SPA 10:46 LOCAL TIME 07:46 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w360810