UN-Arab
League envoy condemns 'in strongest possible' terms attacks in Damascus
10 May 2012 –
The Joint Special Envoy of the
United Nations and the League of Arab States on the Syrian Crisis, Kofi Annan,
today condemned “in the strongest possible terms” attacks that took place
earlier Thursday in Damascus.
“These abhorrent acts are
unacceptable and the violence in Syria must stop,” Mr. Annan's spokesperson
said in a statement. “He is saddened by the loss of life resulting from the two
blasts and extends his condolences to the families of the victims.”
According to media reports, there
were two strong explosions in the Syrian capital on Thursday, which have killed
or wounded dozens of people. The blasts occurred near what is reported to be a
military intelligence building.
The crisis in Syria, which began in
March 2011 as a protest movement similar to those across the Middle East and
North Africa, has claimed over 9,000 lives, mostly civilians, and displaced
tens of thousands. Mr. Annan's spokesperson said the Joint Special Envoy
reiterates his call to all parties to adhere to an agreed cessation of
violence.
“Any action that serves to escalate
tensions and raise the level of violence can only be counter-productive to the
interests of all parties,” he said, adding that Mr. Annan calls on all parties
to avoid further bloodshed and to protect civilians.
On Wednesday, a bomb blast went off
in the vicinity of a convoy of observers serving with the UN Supervision
Mission in Syria (UNSMIS), injuring several Syrian soldiers
accompanying the delegation, while approaching the southern city of Dar'a.
Authorized by the Security Council
last month, UNSMIS is tasked with monitoring the cessation of violence in the
country and supporting the full implementation of a six-point plan put forward
by Mr. Annan.
The plan calls for an end to
violence, access for humanitarian agencies to provide relief to those in need,
the release of detainees, the start of inclusive political dialogue that takes
into account the aspirations of the Syrian people, and unrestricted access to
the country for the international media.
Source: UN News Center
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