Secretary-General, on First Anniversary of Chemical Weapons Attack in Syria,

Says Conflict Remains Major Threat to International Peace and Security

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

One year ago today, the horrific chemical weapons attack in Ghouta shocked the conscience of the world.  The Secretary-General once again conveys his deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones and calls on the international community to remember those who perished in this inhumane act.

Since the attack, the Syrian conflict not only continues unabated, but it has spilled over into neighbouring countries, sparking a humanitarian catastrophe and fuelling further human rights violations and crimes against humanity.  The ongoing conflict is also contributing to conditions conducive to the proliferation of terrorism.  It remains a major threat to international peace and security.

The Secretary-General stresses that the international community has a moral obligation to unite immediately and help put an end to this expanding conflict that is destabilizing an entire region.  The United Nations, the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, will continue to do their utmost in pursuit of this goal.

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For information media • not an official record