Ban condemns deadly series of bombings in Syrian capital

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon this evening condemned the series of bombings that struck the Syrian capital Damascus today, one of which killed at least 50 people and left hundreds injured, according to media reports.

“The Secretary-General renews his call on all parties to end the violence and respect international humanitarian law,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said in a formal statement, which also conveyed the Secretary-General’s condolences to the families of the victims.

“The Secretary-General reiterates his firm conviction that resorting to violence and military means will only lead to more suffering and destruction, and that a political solution is the only way out.

Up to 70,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began in March 2011.