Posted on 04/24/2012 3:55:49 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — International envoy Kofi Annan told the U.N. Security Council Thursday that the situation in Syria is "bleak" and expressed alarm at reports that government troops are still carrying out military operations in towns where U.N. observers are not present.
He expressed particular concern at media reports that government troops entered the central city of Hama on Monday after U.N. observers departed, firing automatic weapons and killing a significant number of people.
"If confirmed, this is totally unacceptable and reprehensible," he said.
The joint U.N.-Arab League envoy said the speedy deployment of the 300-strong U.N. observer force authorized by the council on Saturday is "crucial" to verify what is happening on the ground. The observer force also would provide a basis for moving toward a cease-fire by the government and opposition, he said.
Annan briefed the Security Council by videoconference hours after his spokesman, Ahmad Fawzi, told U.N. Television in Geneva that satellite imagery and other credible reports show that, despite its claims, Syria has failed to withdraw all of its heavy weapons from populated areas as required by the cease-fire deal it accepted.
Fawzi also cited credible reports that "people who approach the observers may be approached by security forces or Syrian army and harassed or arrested or even worse, perhaps killed."
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
He’s such a genius, it’s a shame he’s not still Sec’y General. Thanks NormsRevenge.
Socialists killing muslims - what’s not to like?
Muslims vs. Muslims — what’s not to like. Pass the popcorn.
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