Secretary-General, ‘Deeply Troubled’ at Escalating Violence in Syria,

 

Calls for Immediate End to Repression by Security, Military Forces

 

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

The Secretary-General is alarmed at the escalation of violence in Syria, which has reportedly left at least 70 killed over the past week alone, bringing the total casualties since mid-March to over 1,000 dead, many more injured and thousands arrested.  The Secretary-General is deeply troubled by the continued serious violations of human rights, including disturbing reports of the deaths of children under torture, live ammunition and shelling.  All killings should be investigated fully, independently and transparently.  The Secretary-General takes note of the announcement by the Syrian authorities of an amnesty and the establishment of a committee to establish a national dialogue.  He emphasizes, however, that violent repression by security and military forces must end immediately for a genuine and inclusive dialogue to take place and lead to the comprehensive reforms and change called for by the Syrian people.

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For information media • not an official record