UN personnel don’t intend to leave Syria – Ban Ki-moon

Despite the danger to its staff in Syria the United Nations and its partners intend to stay in that country and continue their work, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said on the sidelines of the G20 summit in St. Petersburg on Friday in relation to the humanitarian situation in Syria.

He added that the UN staff in Syria numbers 4,500 people.

Thoughtless military action against Syria can have extremely grave consequences – Ban Ki-moon

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has said that a military scenario in Syria would be followed by serious and tragic consequences.

Addressing G20 leaders on Friday in relation to the humanitarian situation in Syria, he warned that a thoughtless military action could lead to serious and tragic consequences and also to greater religious discord.

We must find ways of avoiding the further militarization of the conflict and of reviving the search for a political solution instead, he said.

“Every day that we lose is a day when scores of innocent civilians die. Providing more arms to either side is not the answer. There is no military solution,” he said addressing G20 leaders.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon will notify the UN Security Council about the findings of the investigation of instances of the use of “chemicals” in Syria as soon as he is informed himself.

“After the team informs me of the outcome, I will report promptly the results of that investigation to the Security Council and all Member States,” he said addressing G20 leaders.

“I also appreciate the cooperation of the Government of Syria in this regard,” he said.

Ban Ki-moon urges G20 leaders to convene conference on Syria

At the meeting with the G20 leaders in St. Petersburg on Thursday, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon announced the need for a speedy convocation of Geneva-2 on Syria.

He urged the G20 leaders to strictly observe the UN Charter with any response to the potential use of “chemical weapons in Syria.

The UN highly appreciates the Syrian government’s assistance in investigating the reports about a chemical attack in the vicinity of Damascus, Ban Ki-moon said.

R.S