In the wake of a “heinous” terrorist bombing outside Damascus yesterday, which reportedly killed more than 60 people, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged Syrian Government and opposition negotiators at UN-mediated talks in Geneva to “agree on immediate improvements to Syria’s dire humanitarian situation.”
“Yesterday’s gruesome attacks coincided with the start of the Geneva talks. The Secretary-General underlines that the Syrian people expect to see credible negotiations in Geneva. They deserve more than the false choice between extremism and repression,” said a statement issued by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson.
The bombings, claimed by Da’esh [also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL], carried out near the Sayidda Zeinab shrine in southern Damascus reportedly left some 60 people dead and may wounded more than100 wounded others.
Condemning the “heinous” bombing, the Secretary-General in his statement extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured and stressed that those responsible for such attacks on civilians must be held accountable.
Noting that the attacks occurred as the UN-facilitated intra-Syrian talks got under way in Geneva, Mr. Ban said in the statement that it is essential that that the representatives of the Syrian government and the Syrian opposition agree on immediate improvements to Syria’s dire humanitarian situation, a political transition that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people, and a parallel ceasefire.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=53137#.VrTKMVgrLIU
#AllTheNews 