In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Major General Robert Mood, head of the UN observers' mission in Syria, said he was satisfied with what the observers have achieved on the ground to reduce the course of violence.

However, he acknowledged the existence of difficulties facing the work of his mission. 

Here are some excerpts from the interview with Al Jazeera:

"Cessation of violence depends largely on the commitment of the parties concerned on the ground inside and outside Syria."

"Violence is still ongoing and this is a challenge to the mission to carry out  its task." 

"The more number of observers we have, the more opportunities we will have to end violence." 

"It [having more observers] is genuine opportunity to be given to the mission … and support in this regard should be offered from both inside and outside players."