Syria Live Blog
Syria - Apr 8, 2012 - 13:47
Last modified: 8 Apr 2012 10:47
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The international mediator for Syria, Kofi Annan, said on Sunday he was "shocked" by the mounting violence there despite a UN deadline for the government's military to halt fire next week.
The international mediator for Syria, Kofi Annan, said on Sunday he was "shocked" by the mounting violence there despite a UN deadline for the government's military to halt fire next week.
Annan said the "unacceptable" escalation in violence violated guarantees made to him and called on the government to keep its promises to end the bloodshed.
"I am shocked by recent reports of a surge in violence and atrocities in several towns and villages in Syria, resulting in alarming levels of casualties, refugees and displaced persons, in violation of assurances given to me," Annan said in a statement.
The special envoy for the United Nations and Arab League urged both Syrian forces and opposition fighters to halt all forms of violence by 6am Damascus time on Thursday April 12, in line with his peace plan.
"As we get closer to the Tuesday 10 April deadline, I remind the Syrian Government of the need for full implementation of its commitments and stress that the present escalation of violence is unacceptable," Annan said, referring to the deadline accepted by President Bashar al-Assad's government for Syrian troops and heavy weaponry to withdraw from towns.
"I am in constant contact with the Syrian Government and ask all States with influence on the parties to use it now to ensure an end to the bloodshed and the beginning of dialogue," he said.
Read our latest news story here: Syria wants 'guarantees' for troop pullout
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