Paris' iconic landmark was turned off Wednesday evening to honor the residents of Aleppo, the Syrian city that has been recaptured by pro-government groups, Paris Mayor, Anne Hidalgo, announced on Twitter.
"We hope that this symbolic measure, on a monument that is known around the world, will show the international community once more the urgent need to act," Mayor Hidalgo told Europe1. The tower will go dark at 8 p.m. as a symbol of honor to Aleppo inhabitants.
Ferocious assault has been launched by pro-government forces on Aleppo's few remaining opposition-held neighborhoods, which trapped thousands of civilians under never-ending heavy fire. Unconfirmed reports say that government forces are killing civilians.
Federica Mogherini, European Union foreign policy chief, appealed on the Syrian government and Russia to do their best to spare the life of civilians and rebels. In a statement, Mogherini said, "the priority now, in these hours, is to protect civilians, guarantee them safe and monitored transit to a place of safety." She also added that this is particularly the responsibility of the Syrian government and its allies," and warned that "those who perpetrate war crimes will be held accountable."
On Tuesday, UNICEF said in a statement that there could be more than 100 children trapped in a building under fire in Eastern Aleppo. WJCL reported the same day that the Syrian government is now in control of Aleppo and that all military action has stopped.
Previously, the light displays of the Eiffel Tower have been used to stand in solidarity with others around the world. In June, the tower lit up in rainbow colors as a tribute to the victims of the gay nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida. The Parisian landmark also went dark in honor of the victims of attacks in Paris in January and November of 2015.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
