UN SUSPENDS MONITORING ACTIVITIES IN SYRIA AMID ESCALATING VIOLENCE

UN SUSPENDS MONITORING ACTIVITIES IN SYRIA AMID ESCALATING VIOLENCE
New York, Jun 16 2012 12:10PM
The United Nations observer mission in Syria has suspended its activities owing to an intensification of armed violence across the country over the past 10 days, its chief announced today.

"This escalation is limiting our ability to observe, verify, report as well as assist in local dialogue and stability projects -- basically impeding our ability to carry out our mandate," General Robert Mood, head of the UN Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS), said in a statement.

"The lack of willingness by the parties to seek a peaceful transition, and the push towards advancing military positions is increasing the losses on both sides: innocent civilians, men women and children are being killed every day. It is also posing significant risks to our observers," he added.

The Security Council established UNSMIS in April to monitor the cessation of violence in Syria, as well as monitor and support
the full implementation of a six-point peace plan put forward by the Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the Arab League for the Syrian Crisis, Kofi 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.

Gen. Mood said UN observers will not be conducting patrols and will stay in their locations until further notice, and that engagement with the parties will be restricted.

"This suspension will be reviewed on a daily basis. Operations will resume when we see the situation fit for us to carry out our mandated activities."

He reiterated that UNSMIS stands ready to work with all parties to assist in bringing an end to the violence and promote political dialogue.

The UN estimates that more than 10,000 people, mostly ci
vilians, have been killed in Syria and tens of thousands displaced since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began some 16 months ago.

Jun 16 2012 12:10PM
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