Following the Security Council’s decision to authorize a supervision mission in Syria, Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States Kofi Annan said the effort represents a “pivotal moment” for the stabilization of the country.
“I urge all forces whether governmental, opposition or others to put down their weapons and work with the United Nations monitors to consolidate the fragile cessation of violence in all its forms.” -Mr. Annan
He adds that the Government in particular must halt the use of heavy weapons and armed units from population centres.
On Saturday, in a unanimous decision, Security Council members passed a resolution calling for the formation of the “United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS), comprising an initial deployment of up to 300 unarmed military observers as well as an appropriate civilian component.”
Mr. Annan’s plan calls for an end to violence, access for humanitarian agencies to provide aid to those in need, the release of detainees, and the start of an inclusive political dialogue.
“The work of the mission should help create the conditions conducive to launching the much-needed political process, which would address the legitimate concerns and aspirations of the Syrian people.” -Mr. Annan
He renews call on the Government and the opposition and all the people of Syria to prepare to engage in such a process as a matter of utmost priority.
Mr. Annan is due to update the Council next week on the situation in the country.
In addition, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also welcomed the Council’s unanimous adoption of resolution 2043, and called on the Syrian Government and other parties to immediately create the conditions necessary for the deployment of the mission.
Earlier this month, the Syrian government has informed Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States Kofi Annan that it will cease all military fighting throughout Syrian territory today.
Syrian government has ceased military actions as of 6:00 a.m. (Damascus time) last Thursday, 12th April 2012.
Ban Ki-Moon, the United Nations Secretary General, has appointed his predecessor, Kofi Annan, as international (UN-Arab League) Special Envoy to Syria. The UN comunique underscored that “The Special Envoy will provide good offices aimed atbringing an end to all violence and human rights violations, and promotinga peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis.”
The UN and Arab League’s Joint Special Envoy for Syria, Kofi Annan (left), meets with Major General Robert Mood of Norway, who has been appointed to lead a technical team from the UN to Syria.UN Photo/Fabrice Arlot
On his visit to Syria’s capital Damascus on March 12, Mr. Kofi Annan urged President Bashar al-Assad to embrace change and reforms.
Mr. Annan’s six-point plan to end the violence was submitted during his visit to Damascus last month.
On 27th of March, Mr. Annan reported that the Syrian government had accepted the six point-plan and pledged to implement it.
However, reports say the regime has unleashed yet another wave of horrific violence against its own people resulting in the deaths of scores of Syrians daily.
The violence in Syria, which began in March 2011 as a protest movement similar to those witnessed across the Middle East and North Africa, has claimed over 10,000 lives, mostly civilians, and displaced tens of thousands.
