Ban, UN-Arab League envoy meet to discuss efforts to end Syrian crisis

The international community must act with unity to achieve a political solution and end the suffering in Syria, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Joint Special Representative of the world organization and the League of Arab States, Lakhdar Brahimi, stressed today during a meeting in Mt. Pelerin, Switzerland.

Both expressed deep frustration at the failure of the international community to act with unity to end to the conflict, and regretted that the Government and the armed opposition forces have become “increasingly reckless with human life,” according to information from Mr. Ban's spokesperson.

They also emphasized the importance of ensuring accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Up to 70,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began in March 2011 and more than 900,000 people have fled to neighbouring countries. In addition, 2 million have been internally displaced and over 4 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance.

During their meeting, Mr. Ban and Mr. Brahimi reaffirmed their conviction that the international community should remain focused on pursuing a political solution to arrive at a peaceful, democratic Syria that protects the right of all of its communities.

The two men also discussed recent statements by the Government and the opposition indicating their willingness to engage in dialogue and said that the UN would welcome and be prepared to facilitate a dialogue between a strong and representative delegation from the opposition and a credible and empowered delegation from the Syrian Government.