United Nations: UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday welcomed UN Security Council's "clear and unified" message to the Syrian government, saying the adoption of statement marks a "turning point" in the international community's response to the year-long crisis in the Arab country.
The 15-nation UNSC adopted the statement that backs joint UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan's six point proposals to end the violence and human rights violations, secure humanitarian access and facilitate a comprehensive political dialogue between the Syrian government and opposition.
Welcoming the adoption of the statement, Ban said he is "encouraged by the clear and unified message of the Council," which has extended its support to Annan s efforts to finding a solution to the year-long Syrian crisis that has killed over 8000 people.
As the situation continues to deteriorate in Syria, "it is more urgent than ever to find a solution that will end the tragic suffering of the Syrian people," Ban said, adding that the united action by the Council marks a "turning point" in the international community s response to this crisis.
Ban "adds his voice to the Council's in calling upon the Syrian government and opposition to work in good faith with the Joint Special Envoy towards a peaceful settlement of the Syrian crisis, and to implement fully and immediately his initial six-point proposal submitted to the Syrian authorities," a statement by Ban's spokesperson said.
In the statement, the Security Council called upon the Syrian Government and opposition to work with Annan towards a peaceful settlement of the Syrian crisis and to implement fully and immediately his initial six-point proposal.
It also said it will consider "further steps as appropriate" based on any progress reported by Annan on his mission.
The presidential statement is non-binding in nature but still becomes part of the UN records.
Unlike a UN resolution, a presidential statement can be adopted if it is approved unanimously by all 15 Council members and does not require nine votes in favour and no vetoes from the five permanent council members to be passed.
The last presidential statement on Syria was adopted in August 2011, when India held the rotating presidency of the UNSC.
UN diplomats called the adoption of the statement a "good sign", given that Russia and China have in the past not been on the same page as the other Council members.
Russia's UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said the council had "finally chosen to take a pragmatic look at Syria" by adopting the statement.
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