Secretary-General Condemns Violence in Southern Syria, Urges Investigation

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General condemns the violence against peaceful demonstrators in the southern Syrian city of Dera’a, which resulted in several killed and many more injured today and yesterday.  There should be a transparent investigation into the killings, and those responsible must be held accountable.  The Secretary-General reiterates his call on the Syrian authorities to refrain from violence and to abide by their international commitments regarding human rights, including the right to peaceful assembly.  He reminds the Syrian Government of its obligation to protect civilians and of its responsibility to address the legitimate aspirations of its people through a purposefuldialogue and reforms.

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For information media • not an official record