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UN Security Council Adopts the Presidential Statement on Syria
22 March 2012
On March 21, all 15 United Nations Security Council (UNSC) members adopted a non-binding statement, expressing "[the Council’s] gravest concern at the deteriorating situation in Syria which has resulted in a serious human rights crisis and a deplorable humanitarian situation." The message was sent to both the Syrian government and the opposition, asking them to "implement fully and immediately" a six-point peace plan proposed by joint UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan, who visited Damascus recently and held talks there. Unlike resolutions, which are legally binding and need nine votes in favor and no vetoes from the five permanent council members to pass, statements are generally non-binding but require unanimous support from the council. The adopted presidential statement is separate from a U.S.-drafted resolution calling on Syria to allow access to humanitarian aid workers in the country and is devoid of any ultimatum to the Syrian government. "The Security Council expresses its full support for the efforts of the Envoy to bring an immediate end to all violence and human rights violations, secure humanitarian access, and facilitate a Syrian-led political transition to a democratic, plural political system," the statement said. It called for a comprehensive political dialogue between the Syrian government and the whole spectrum of the Syrian opposition. The UNSC is awaiting response from Damascus. On March 17, Associated Press reported on a Syrian government letter to Annan that asked to provide guarantees to the Syrian government that the armed groups will cease all armed aggressions and give up their weapons in exchange of a full pardon. |