Secretary-General Gravely Alarmed by Continued Violence in Syria,

 

Demands Government Comply with Commitments without Delay

 

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

The Secretary-General is gravely alarmed by reports of continued violence and killing in Syria, including shelling and explosions in various residential areas, as well as armed clashes.  He condemns in the strongest terms the continued repression against the Syrian civilian population and violence from any quarter.  This situation is unacceptable and must stop immediately.

The Secretary-General remains deeply troubled by the continued presence of heavy weapons, military equipment and army personnel in population centres, as reported by United Nations Military Observers, which is in contravention of the Syrian Government’s commitments to withdraw its troops and heavy weapons from these areas.  He demands that the Government of Syria comply with its commitments without delay.

The Secretary-General reminds all concerned parties, particularly the Government of Syria, of the need to ensure that conditions for the effective operation of the United Nations Military Observers are put in place immediately, including a sustained cessation of armed violence.

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For information media • not an official record