Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today asked the international community to end the crisis in Syria.
He underlines the need for concerted action to end the blodshed, saying the world has thus far failed in its responsibility to stop violence in the country.
Ban says the Syrian Government is waging an “atrocious assault” against its own people.
Reports say Arab League had failed to curb President Bashar al-Assad’s violent response to a 10-month-old revolt against his rule.
Powerful countries have also proved unable to stop the bloodshed in Syria.
“In fact, the actions – indeed, the inaction – of the international community seems to have encouraged the Syrian authorities in their brutal suppression of its citizens.” – Mr. Ban
General Assembly implementated its resolution on Syria which condemned the continued “widespread and systematic” human rights violations by the Syrian authorities. The Assembly also demanded that Syrian Government immediately cease all violence and protect its people.
Mr. Ban cites that further militarization of the Syrian opposition is not the answer, Mr. Ban added.
He stresses that the international community must urgently find unity in pressing the Syrian authorities and all other parties to stop the violence.
“It must insist, with one voice, that the Syrian authorities give access to international humanitarian workers as an essential first step towards a peaceful solution.” -Mr. Ban
The Secretary-General says that the newly-appointed Joint Special Envoy of the UN and the League of Arab States for Syria Kofi Annan will also seek to end the violence and human rights violations.
Mr. Ban stresses the need to ensure that “there is only one track in the mediation process being undertaken by the international community. The way towards a peaceful solution of the Syrian crisis is difficult but clear.”
“First, there should be an immediate end to the killings and violence. International relief workers must be allowed in. Second, there is a clear need for an inclusive political dialogue among all Syrian actors.” -Mr. Ban
He highlighted that the international community must align itself with the process led by the Joint Envoy. For Kofi Annan to succeed, he will need the internationa full and undivided support.
“It is time for the international community to speak with one voice, loud and clear.” – Mr. Ban
He says the division could embolden the Syrian authorities “in their violent, dead-end path.
U.N. officials say more than 5,000 people have been killed in Syria since the start of the turmoil in the country.
Media reports say that in Damascus, the security forces have lost 2,000 dead.
The death toll keeps rising in Syria as Government forces continue their deadly crackdown against the pro-democracy protesters.
