Ban Ki-moon terms Syrian escalation as alarming

Ban Ki-moon the UN

Secretary-General is alarmed by the intensifying violence in Syria. He strongly condemns today’s bomb attack at the National Security Headquarters in Damascus which resulted in significant casualties including the death and serious injury of Government officials.

The Secretary-General reiterates that acts of violence committed by any party are unacceptable and a clear violation of the six-point plan. He is also gravely concerned about reports of the continued use of heavy weapons by the Syrian security forces, including in the Damascus area, against civilians, despite repeated Government assurances that such weapons would be withdrawn.

The deteriorating situation in Syria underscores the extreme urgency for all sides to stop armed violence in all its forms, implement the six point plan and move swiftly towards a political dialogue and a peaceful democratic Syrian-led transition.

The Secretary-General urges the Security Council to shoulder its responsibility and take collective and effective action on the basis of UN Charter obligations and in view of the seriousness of the situation on the ground. Time is of the essence. The Syrian people have suffered for too long. The bloodshed must end now.