Secretary-General, Appalled by Mounting Death Toll from Escalating Violence

 

in Syria, Strongly Condemns Heavy Artillery Use in ‘Unacceptable’ Attacks

 

The following statement was issued on 6 February by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is appalled by the escalating violence in Syria, particularly at the mounting death toll and continued onslaught on the city of Homs involving the use of heavy artillery and the shelling of civilian areas.  Such violence is totally unacceptable before humanity.

The Secretary-General strongly condemns these attacks.  The lack of agreement in the Security Council gives no licence to the Syrian authorities to step up attacks on the Syrian population.  No Government can commit such acts against its people without its legitimacy being eroded.

The Secretary-General deeply regrets that the Syrian authorities continue to ignore the pressing calls of the international community to stop using force against civilians.  All violence must end immediately.  The Secretary-General reminds the Government of Syria that it is accountable under international human rights law for all acts of violence perpetrated by its security forces against the civilian population.

The Secretary-General calls upon all concerned in Syria and in the international community to redouble efforts aimed at stopping the violence and seeking an inclusive Syrian-led political process, in accordance with international law, that respects the will and legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people to a democratic and pluralistic political system.

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For information media • not an official record