Middle East Some 2,700 people have been killed in Syria since March, when the pro-democracy protests – part of a broader wave of uprisings across the Middle East and ... of torture. Three experts have been appointed to carry out the probe. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in a meeting with Syria’s Foreign Minister, Walid al-Moualem, reiterated the call he has made on numerous occasions for an end to the ... refuge across the border in Lebanon is a reflection of the “escalating political and human rights crisis” in Syria. “The polarization continues to deepen between the Syrian regime, which appears determined to pursue its policy of ...

... the General Assembly’s annual general debate, Walid al-Moualem said the reform process is “a work in progress” in Syria, where large numbers of protesters have for months been calling for greater democracy and freedoms. He said many of ... by armed groups to sow discord and sabotage our security. They became the new pretext for foreign interventions. “Syria exercised its responsibility to protect its citizens. It acted to guarantee their safety and stability. Vigilance ... popular demands.” Mr. al-Moualem said there had been a “surge in the activities of armed groups” within Syria that was a “manifestation of foreign intervention,” and he criticized moves by the United States and the ...

Middle East “We need to listen to the people of Syria,” said Uri Rosenthal, the Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister said in his address to the Assembly’s annual general ... Trade Organization] has an important part to play in preventing this.” Mr. Rosenthal also discussed the situation in Syria today during a meeting with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, with the two officials also exchanging views on the ...

... and regional and international issues, including recent developments in the Middle East, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria. Iran’s full cooperation with relevant Security Council resolutions on its nuclear programme is particularly ...