Argentina

Bangladesh

Belgium

Benin

Brazil

Burkina Faso

Burundi

China

Croatia

Denmark

Ecuador

Egypt

Finland

Germany

Ghana

Guatemala

Indonesia

Ireland

Jordan

Kenya

Kyrgyzstan

Malawi

Mauritania

Morocco

Nepal

Niger

Norway

Paraguay

Philippines

Russia

Senegal

South Africa

Switzerland

Uruguay

Yemen

The UK has been at the forefront of efforts to improve the working methods and transparency of the Security Council. As the S5 themselves recognise, the Council has already undertaken many of the suggestions in their proposal, such as inviting chairs of the Peacebuilding Commission to relevant debates, making the forthcoming programme of work available to all Member States and enhancing participation of troop and police contributing countries in the work of the Council. 

The Security Council must be always able to adapt and operate with flexibility in order fulfil its responsibilities under the Charter to meet the evolving challenges to international peace and security.  But for that effectiveness and adaptability, it needs to be confident in its own decisions and procedures. It ultimately must remain the master of its own rules of procedure, as stated in the UN Charter.

Since many of the S5’s suggestions have already been put in practice, their proposed resolution would add little to the development of Council working methods.  I’m also concerned that the S5‘s resolution, taken outside the intergovernmental negotiations process, could actually have a detrimental impact on the overall cause of reform. These intergovernmental negotiations remain the key forum through which member states can work together on reform. I appreciate the work of the S5, who have over many years sought to advance Security Council reform, and I agree with the substance of many of the group’s proposals.  But I also have reservations about the pursuing an alternative track, such as a vote on the S5 resolution under a separate agenda item. This risks taking focus and energy away from the wider reform process, and for little or no gain. A number of member states have expressed their concern over the S5’s intentions to put their resolution to a vote and so this is likely to be a divisive vote that sets back the overall cause of reform.

In response to questions regarding whether the Secretary-General has any comment on the parliamentary elections in Syria, the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General has the following to say:

Only a comprehensive and inclusive political dialogue can lead to a genuine democratic future in Syria.  These elections are not taking place within that framework.  Moreover, a democratic process cannot be successful while violence is still ongoing.  It is essential that there be a cessation of violence in all its forms and action to implement the Joint Special Envoy’s six point proposal.

SCR Sudan-South Sudan Blue 04/30/12
The Security Council,
Recalling its previous resolutions and statements on the situation in Sudan and South Sudan, in particular resolutions 1990 (2011), 2024 (2011) and 2032 (2011), and its Presidential Statements of 6 March 2012 and 12 April 2012, and further recalling the priority it attaches to the full and urgent advancement of all outstanding issues from the Comprehensive Peace Agreement,
Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Sudan and South Sudan, and to the purposes and the principles of the United Nations Charter,
Noting paragraph 7 of the 24 April 2012 decision of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union at its 319th meeting, and reiterating that the territorial boundaries of states shall not be altered by force, and that any territorial disputes shall be settled exclusively by peaceful means,
Recalling the importance of the principles of the peaceful settlement of international disputes, good neighborliness, non-interference and regional cooperation,
Deeply committed to seeing Sudan and South Sudan become two economically prosperous states living side-by-side in peace, security, and stability, and underlining the importance of building mutual trust, confidence and an environment conducive to long-term stability and economic development,
Condemning the repeated incidents of cross-border violence between Sudan and South Sudan, including troop movements, the seizure and occupation of Heglig, support to proxy forces, and Sudanese Armed Forces aerial bombardments,
Condemning actions by any armed group aimed at the forced overthrow of the government of either Sudan or South Sudan,
Expressing deep concern at the humanitarian situation created by the fighting between Sudan and South Sudan, and the continued fighting in the states of Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile, in Sudan,
SCR Sudan-South Sudan Blue 04/30/12
Strongly condemning all acts of violence committed against civilians in violation of international humanitarian law and human rights law,
Welcoming the withdrawal from Heglig of the army of South Sudan and calling for the immediate cessation of aerial bombardments by the Sudanese Armed Forces against South Sudan,
Strongly condemning the violations of human rights of non-combatants in the affected area, the damage to economic infrastructure, in particular oil installations, and all inflammatory statements, which result in mutual demonization and the threat of hostile action by extremist elements, including xenophobic attacks,
Calling for an impartial fact finding effort to assess the losses and economic and humanitarian damage, including to oil facilities and other key infrastructure, in and around Heglig,
Expressing deep concern at the fate of the nationals of both countries resident in each other’s territory, following the end of the transition period that occurred on 8 April 2012,
Recalling the June 29, 2011 Agreement Between the Government of the Sudan and the Government of Southern Sudan on Border Security and the Joint Political and Security Mechanism, taking note of the commitment in Paragraph 2 to create a safe demilitarized border zone (SDBZ), and the July 30, 2011 Agreement on the Border Monitoring Support Mission Between the Government of Sudan and the Government of South Sudan, which elaborates on the establishment of a Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM) with an area of responsibility corresponding to the SDBZ, and a Joint Political and Security Mechanism (JPSM),
Recognizing the urgent need for Sudan and South Sudan to commence the process of border demilitarization,
Deploring the failure of Sudan and South Sudan security forces to redeploy from the Abyei Area in accordance with their Agreement of June 20, 2011 and Resolution 1990 (2011),
Convinced that there can be no military solution to the conflict in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile, and stressing the urgent need for a political and negotiated solution, based on respect for diversity in unity,
SCR Sudan-South Sudan Blue 04/30/12
Reaffirming its previous resolutions 1674 (2006) and 1894 (2009) on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, 1612 (2006), 1882 (2009), and 1998 (2011) on children and armed conflict, 1502 (2003) on the protection of humanitarian and United Nations personnel, and 1325 (2000), 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009), 1889 (2009) and 1960 (2010) on women, peace and security,
Welcoming the continuing efforts of the African Union to support Sudan and South Sudan in addressing the legacy of conflict and bitterness in Sudan, notably through the conclusion of the January 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), its implementation, in particular the holding of the referendum on self-determination of South Sudan, and the negotiations on post-secession relations,
Commending the efforts of the AU High-level Implementation Panel, including its Chairman President Thabo Mbeki, former Presidents Abdulsalami Abubakar and Pierre Buyoya, the Chairperson of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan and South Sudan, Haile Menkerios, and the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) under the leadership of Lieutenant General Tesfay Tadesse,
Expressing its full support for the 24 April 2012 decision of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union at its 319th meeting on the situation between the Republic of Sudan and the Republic of South Sudan, in order to ease the current tension, facilitate the resumption of negotiations on post-secession relations and the normalization of their relations, including, in particular the Roadmap outlined in that decision,
Determining that the prevailing situation along the border between Sudan and South Sudan constitutes a serious threat to international peace and security,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Decides that Sudan and South Sudan shall take the following actions with immediate effect unless otherwise specified below:
(i) immediately cease all hostilities, including aerial bombardments, with the parties formally conveying their commitment in this respect to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the President of the
SCR Sudan-South Sudan Blue 04/30/12
Security Council not later than 48 hours from the adoption of this resolution;
(ii) unconditionally withdraw all of their armed forces to their side of the border, in accordance with previously adopted Agreements, including the Agreement on the Border Monitoring Support Mission of 30 July 2011;
(iii) activate, within no more than a week of the adoption of this resolution, the necessary border security mechanisms, namely the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM) and the Safe Demilitarized Border Zone (SDBZ), in accordance with the administrative and security map presented to the Parties by the AUHIP in November 2011, it being understood that this map in no way prejudices ongoing negotiations on the disputed areas and demarcation of the border;
(iv) cease the harboring of, or support to, rebel groups against the other State;
(v) activate the ad hoc Committee, under the Joint Political and Security Mechanism, to receive and investigate complaints and allegations made by one party against the other;
(vi) immediately cease hostile propaganda and inflammatory statements in the media, as well as any attacks against the property, religious and cultural symbols belonging to the nationals of the other State, with the two governments assuming full responsibility for the protection of each other’s nationals in line with international principles, consistent with the Framework Agreement on the Status of Nationals of the Other State and Related Matters initialed in March 2012;
(vii) implement pending aspects of the 20 June 2011 Agreement on Temporary Security and Administrative Arrangements for the Abyei Area, in particular the redeployment, within no more than two weeks of the adoption of this resolution, of all Sudanese and South Sudanese forces out of the Abyei Area;
2. Decides that Sudan and South Sudan shall unconditionally resume negotiations, under the auspices of the AUHIP and with the support of the Chairman of IGAD, at a time to be set by the AUHIP in consultation with relevant international
SCR Sudan-South Sudan Blue 04/30/12
partners, but within no more than two weeks from the time of adoption of this resolution, to reach agreement on the following critical issues:
(i) arrangements concerning oil and associated payments;
(ii) the status of nationals of one country resident in the other, consistent with the Framework Agreement on the Status of Nationals of the Other State and Related Matters initialed in March 2012;
(iii) resolution of the status of the disputed and claimed border areas and the demarcation of the border; and
(iv) the final status of the Abyei Area;
3. Decides that the Government of Sudan and the SPLM-North shall extend full cooperation to the AUHIP and the Chair of IGAD, to reach a negotiated settlement on the basis of the June 28, 2011 Framework Agreement on Political Partnership between NCP and SPLM-N and Political and Security Arrangements in Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan States;
4. Strongly urges Sudan and the SPLM-N to accept the tripartite proposal submitted by the African Union, the United Nations and the League of Arab States, to permit humanitarian access to the affected population in the two areas, ensuring in accordance with applicable international law, including applicable international humanitarian law, and guiding principles of emergency humanitarian assistance, the safe, unhindered and immediate access of United Nations and other humanitarian personnel, as well as the delivery of supplies and equipment, in order to allow such personnel to efficiently perform their task of assisting the conflict-affected civilian population;
5. Decides that the negotiations referred to in paragraph 2 above shall be concluded within three months of the adoption of this resolution, and in the event these negotiations fail to result in an agreement on any or all of the issues within the allotted timeframe of three months, requests the Secretary-General, in consultation with the AUHIP, the Chair of IGAD, and the Chairman of the AU Commission, to report within four months of the date of this resolution to the Security Council on the status of the negotiations, including detailed proposals on all outstanding issues;
SCR Sudan-South Sudan Blue 04/30/12
6. Requests the Secretary-General to consult with the African Union on the implementation of this resolution and the decisions of the AU PSC, to work closely with the AUHIP in support of its facilitation efforts, and to inform the Security Council within 15 days and in two week intervals thereafter on the status of compliance by Sudan, South Sudan, and the SPLM-N with the decisions set forth in this resolution, and expresses its intention, in the event that any or all of the parties have not complied with the decisions set forth in this resolution, to take appropriate additional measures under Article 41 of the Charter;
7. Calls upon all parties to promote and protect human rights, including those of women and people belonging to vulnerable groups, to comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian and international human rights law, and calls for those responsible for serious violations of such law, including sexual violence, to be held accountable;
8. Commends the efforts by UNISFA in carrying out its mandate, expresses its deep appreciation for the work of the Force Commander and the troop contributing countries, and expresses its intention to evaluate the mandate of UNISFA in the context of compliance by Sudan and South Sudan with the decisions set forth in this resolution, and with the fulfillment of their commitments as set out in the June 20, June 29, and July 30, 2011 Agreements. ;
9. Stresses the importance of, and the need to restore, a comprehensive, just and lasting peace between Sudan and South Sudan,
10. Decides to remain actively seized of this matter.

he Secretary-General is gravely alarmed by reports of continued violence and killing in Syria, including shelling and explosions in various residential areas as well as armed clashes.  He condemns in the strongest terms the continued repression against the Syrian civilian population and violence from any quarter.   This situation is unacceptable and must stop immediately.

           The Secretary-General remains deeply troubled by the continued presence of heavy weapons, military equipment and army personnel in population centres, as reported by United Nations Military Observers, which is in contravention of the Syrian Government’s commitments to withdraw its troops and heavy weapons from these areas.  He demands that the Government of Syria complywith its commitments without delay.
         
The Secretary-General reminds all concerned parties, particularly the Government of Syria, of the need to ensure that conditions for the effective operation of the United Nations Military Observers are put in place immediately, including a sustained cessation of armed violence.

UN Security Council Presidential Statement on the Democratic People’s
Republic of Korea

The Security Council strongly condemns the 13 April 2012 (local time)
launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

 

The Security Council underscores that this satellite launch, as well as
any launch that uses ballistic missile technology, even if characterized
as a satellite launch or space launch vehicle, is a serious violation of
Security Council resolutions 1718 (2006) and 1874 (2009).

 

The Security Council deplores that such a launch has caused grave
security concerns in the region.

 

The Security Council demands that the DPRK not proceed with any further
launches using ballistic missile technology and comply with resolutions
1718 (2006) and 1874 (2009) by suspending all activities related to its
ballistic missile program and in this context re-establish its
pre-existing commitments to a moratorium on missile launches.

 

The Security Council agrees to adjust the measures imposed by paragraph
8 of resolution 1718 (2006), as modified by resolution 1874 (2009). The
Security Council directs the Committee established pursuant to
resolution 1718 (2006) to undertake the following tasks and to report to
the Security Council within fifteen days:

a)      Designate additional entities and items;

b)      Update the information contained on the Committee’s list of
individuals, entities, and items (S/2009/205 and
INFCIRC/254/Rev.9/Part.1), and update on an annual basis thereafter;

c)      Update the Committee’s annual work plan.

 

The Security Council further agrees that, if the Committee has not acted
pursuant to the paragraph above within fifteen days, then the Security
Council will complete action to adjust these measures within an
additional five days.

 

The Security Council demands that the DPRK immediately comply fully with
its obligations under Security Council resolutions 1718 (2006) and 1874
(2009), including that it: abandon all nuclear weapons and existing
nuclear programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner;
immediately cease all related activities; and not conduct any further
launches that use ballistic missile technology, nuclear tests or any
further provocation.

 

The Security Council calls upon all Member States to implement fully
their obligations pursuant to resolutions 1718 (2006) and 1874 (2009).

 

The Security Council expresses its determination to take action
accordingly in the event of a further DPRK launch or nuclear test.

I am encouraged by reports that the situation in Syria is relatively quiet and that the cessation of hostilities appears to be holding.

Syria is apparently experiencing a rare moment of calm on the ground. This is bringing much-needed relief and hope to the Syrian people who have suffered so much for so long in this brutal conflict. This must now be sustained. All parties have obligations to implement fully the 6-point plan. This includes both the military provisions of the plan and the commitment to move to a political process. I urge all Syrian to seize this opportunity.

 
The international community is determined to work with the Syrian people to support this process.
 
The Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, will be asking the Security Council for approval of the deployment of a UN Observer Mission as soon as possible. This will allow us to move quickly to launch a serious political dialogue that will address the concerns and aspirations of the Syrian people.
 
This is the time for all Syrians to come together in the hope that they can begin to heal their wounds and initiate a political transition to a democratic, plural political system, in which citizens have equal rights and equal opportunities, regardless of their affiliations or ethnicities or beliefs.
 
Kofi Annan, Joint UN/LAS Special Envoy for Syria
Geneva 12 April 2012

By Colum Lynch

  Kofi Annan’s efforts to negotiate a cease-fire in Syria teetered on the brink of collapse Sunday as the Syrian government imposed a new condition – that Syria rebels’ present written assurances they would stop fighting — before it would halt its own assault on anti-government targets and pullback its troops to the barracks.

   The latest snag appeared to place the last major diplomatic campaign in doubt while Annan voiced frustration that Syria has stepped up its assault against residential areas in Syria despite an April 1 promise by President Bashar Al Assad’s government to silence their guns.

    “I am shocked by recent reports of a surge in violence and atrocities in several and villages in Syria, resulting in alarming levels of casualties, refugees and displaced persons, in violation of assurances given to me,” Annan said in a statement. “As we get closer to the Tuesday 10 April deadline, I remind the Syrian Government of the need for full implementation of its commitments and stress that the present escalation of violence is unacceptable.”

   The deteriorating security conditions in Syria raised fresh questions about the prospects of a cease-fire and the viability of Annan’s proposal to deploy a U.N. monitoring mission to enforce such a pact. Few countries are likely to authorize the deployment of their nationals as monitors without a viable cease-fire pact in effect.  The Annan plan, said one U.N.-based official, is in “intensive care.”

      President Assad made a commitment to Annan on April 1 first to implement Annan’s six point plan, which required Syria to halt its use of heavy weapons against opposition target and to begin the pullback of its troops and weapons by Tuesday. In exchange, Annan pledged to secure a commitment from the opposition within 48 hours to put down their guns. Syria appeared to demand that the rebel assurances now be given first.

      On Sunday, Syria’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Jihad Makdissi, said that reports would pull back from towns by Tuesday were “wrong.” Annan has “not delivered…written guarantees regarding the approval of terrorist armed groups to end violence and readiness to lay down its weapons,” the Associated Press quoted him saying.

    The commander of the rebel Free Syrian Army, Riad al Asaad, rejected the new demand, according to the AP, who quoted the rebel leader saying that FSA does not recognize the regime “and for that reason we will not give guarantees.”

   Security Council diplomats have said they will continue to support Annan’s diplomatic efforts as long as he holds out even the slightest hope of a breakthrough. And council diplomats pressed Syria to comply with Annan’s cease-fire call. “Damascus must implement the Annan plan, it is not a matter of good will but of international law, as all UNSC decisions are binding,” said one Western diplomat. “The clock is ticking. If once again Damascus insults the whole international community and keeps resorting to delaying maneuvers it will lose every remaining ounce of credibility and will have to face the consequences”

   In an effort to salvage the peace process, Annan today stepped up pressure on the Syrian government, the opposition, and their respective allies to ensure the cease fire is enforced. 

   “This is a time when we must all urgently work towards a full cessation of hostilities, providing the space for humanitarian access and creating the conditions for a political process to address the legitimate aspirations and concerns of the Syrian people,” according to Annan’s statement. “I am in constant contact with the Syrian Government and ask all States with influence on the parties to use it now to ensure an end to the bloodshed and the beginning of dialogue.”

   Today’s was only the latest instance of the Syrian regime reneging on a promise to international mediators to stem the violence. President Assad previously agreed to an Arab League plan that required government security forces withdraw its security forces from towns and cities. But the government never carried out its pledge. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has stopped attempting to even talk to Assad, citing the president’s repeatedly failure to keep his promises.

   Last week, Annan said Syria has given him assurances that they had carried out a partial withdrawal from three towns, including Idlib, where Syrian security has since stepped up their attacks on opposition targets.

      Still, it remained unclear what measures the Security Council could muster to compel Syria to halt its military crackdown.

    But the latest surge of fighting underscored the limits of Russian influence to convince President Bashar Assad to end a bloody crackdown that has killed more than 9,000 people and to reach a political pact with the opposition. Russia, backed by China, have vetoed two U.N. Security Council resolutions condemning Syria’s conduct, arguing that any sustainable peace deal would require the Syrian government participation and consent.  But Moscow has enthusiastically embraced Annan’s peace plan and outgoing Russian President Dmitri Medvedev warned last month during a meeting with Annan that his initiative “may be the last chance for Syria to avoid a protracted bloody civil war.”

   “This is ultimately a blow to Russia,” said Richard Gowan, a scholar at New York University’s Center for International Cooperation. “The West supported the Annan plan in the hope that Moscow would force Assad to comply. Assad’s actions this weekend suggest that he holds Russia’s concern and influence in contempt.

 Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/columlynch

I am shocked by recent reports of a surge in violence and atrocities in several towns and villages in Syria, resulting in alarming levels of casualties, refugees and displaced persons, in violation of assurances given to me.

This is a time when we must all urgently work towards a full cessation of hostilities, providing the space for humanitarian access and creating the conditions for a political process to address the legitimate aspirations and concerns of the Syrian people.

As we get closer to the Tuesday 10 April deadline, I remind the Syrian Government of the need for full implementation of its commitments and stress that the present escalation of violence is unacceptable. I once again call upon both the Government and the opposition to cease all forms of violence by 0600 Damascus time Thursday 12 April.

I am in constant contact with the Syrian Government and ask all States with influence on the parties to use it now to ensure an end to the bloodshed and the beginning of dialogue.

Geneva, 8 April 2012

BRIEFING TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON THE SITUATION IN SYRIA BY VIDEO-LINK FROM GENEVA, 5 APRIL 2012

Mr. President,

Thank you for the invitation to brief the General Assembly on my mission as Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States on Syria.  

Your resolution on 21 February 2012 was a turning point in the international response to the crisis in Syria. You came together to express the deep concern of the international community at the situation in Syria.  

Following your resolution, Secretaries-General Ban and El-Araby invited me to be their Joint Special Envoy. I thank them both for their constant support. I am guided by the General Assembly resolution and the resolutions of the Arab League.

I appreciate the Security Council’s support for my mission and the six-point plan in its Presidential Statement of 21 March, and I welcome the Council’s statement this morning. This unity will be crucial as we move forward.

The Secretary-General has spoken clearly about the unacceptable situation in Syria. As he has stressed, there is an urgent need to stop the killing and abuses and bring humanitarian relief to a suffering people.  

We must also move quickly to facilitate a peaceful Syrian-led and inclusive political solution that meets the democratic aspirations of the Syrian people. This should be achieved through a comprehensive political dialogue between the Syrian Government and the whole spectrum of the opposition. A broad cross-section of Syrian society must be involved.

As we pursue these endeavours, we do so committed to respect Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, and the UN Charter. We wish to ensure that the Syrian people’s aspirations are realized and that they shape their own future.



Mr. President,

After several weeks of engagement, including my discussion with President Assad on 10 and 11 March in Damascus, on 25 March, the Syrian Government confirmed its acceptance of the plan.
I registered this acceptance in a letter on 27 March. I regarded this as an important initial step in cooperation, and stressed that action must follow.

The essence of the six points is as follows:

First, there must be an inclusive Syrian-led process to address the legitimate aspirations and concerns of the Syrian people. In this regard, President Assad committed to appoint an empowered interlocutor for such a process when invited to do so.

Second, the Syrian Government committed to cease troop movements towards population centres, not use heavy weapons in population centres, and begin pullback of military concentrations in an around population centres. The Government also committed to work with me to bring about a sustained cessation of armed violence in all its forms by all parties.  As the Government implements its obligations, I would seek a commitment from the opposition to bring about a sustained cessation of armed violence. It is agreed that this would require an effective UN supervision mechanism

Third, the Government committed to ensure timely provision of humanitarian assistance to all areas affected by the fighting, and to an immediate two hour humanitarian pause coordinated on the ground.

Fourth, with respect to all persons detained arbitrarily owing to the recent incidents, the Government committed to provide without delay full access to all places in which such persons are being detained and to release such persons, working closely with the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Fifth, the Government committed to ensure freedom of movement throughout the country for journalists, and to grant visas for them in accordance with Syrian regulations.

Sixth, the Government committed to respect freedom of association and the right to demonstrate peacefully as legally guaranteed.

Mr. President.

All points of the plan are crucial, but one is most urgent: the need for a cessation of violence. Clearly, the violence is still continuing. Alarming levels of casualties and other abuses continue to be reported daily. Military operations in civilian population centres have not stopped.  For its part, the government has written to me stating that armed groups continue to assault and attack Government forces, civilians and property.


However, on 1 April, the Syrian Government informed me that a plan for withdrawing military units from populated zones and surrounding areas had been established, and would be in effect until 10 April. I was also informed that instructions have been issued that no new military forces are to be deployed to these zones. The Government has informed me of partial withdrawals from three locations – Idlib, Zabadani, and Deraa.  I await further action and fuller information. The Government has indicated that it will continue to update me on steps it is taking. But it is clear that more far-reaching action is urgently required.

Immediate and verifiable steps are needed to complete implementation of commitments in the crucial days ahead. We are increasing our efforts to have an objective understanding of what is happening on the ground, and who is doing what, and I welcome support in this endeavour.  

In the end, this is not merely a technical issue: as I have indicated to the Syrian authorities, these steps must be implemented in a way that sends a powerful political signal of peace.

Mr. President,

I urge the Government to complete implementation of its commitments, so that we can move to a full cessation of armed violence in all its forms by all parties 48 hours thereafter.

We must silence the tanks, helicopters, mortars and guns, and stop all other forms of violence too: sexual abuse, torture, executions, abductions, destruction of homes, forced displacement, and other such abuses, including on children.

We have explained to the opposition the immediate steps demanded of them if the Government implements its obligations. All interlocutors with whom we have spoken have committed to call for cessation of violence once the Syrian Government has demonstrably fulfilled its commitments regarding use of heavy weapons and troop withdrawals. They have also expressed their readiness to work with a UN mission.  We continue to engage the opposition on this issue, and I urge Governments with influence to impress upon them that they must cease all acts of violence.  

Accordingly, upon completion by the the Government of its commitments by Tuesday, 10 April, all parties should move immediately to cease all forms of violence, so that a complete cessation is in place by 0600 hours Damascus time on Thursday, 12 April.  I urge the Government and opposition commanders to issue clear instructions so that the message reaches across the country, down to the fighter and soldier at the local level.

Mr. President,

I continue to press for action on the other items of the plan, including on detainees, journalists, and allowing peaceful protest. The Government has informed me that certain steps are underway, including the issuance of 21 visas to European, Russian, American and Korean journalists since 25 March.  I have also been informed that plans for release of detainees are being made and will be implemented within a few weeks of the agreement. However, I await further steps and fuller information and a comprehensive report on all actions planned and taken. The six point plan needs to be implemented in its entirety and urgently.

One million people need humanitarian assistance in Syria, including internally displaced persons. There are tens of thousands of refugees now outside the country. The humanitarian effort is being pursued independently and impartially.  I have stressed to the Syrian Government the importance of working with the Emergency Relief Coordinator to ensure needs in the country are met.  Action is needed to allow greater humanitarian capacity in the country.

Mr. President,

The Security Council has expressed today its full support for an effective UN supervision of a sustained cessation of armed violence, and its readiness to consider proposals and authorize a mission should circumstances permit. The Syrian government has committed to accept such a mission. Opposition groups are expressing their readiness to cooperate.  The conflicting assessments of the situation on the ground, as well as the inevitable difficulties that will arise on the ground in sustaining a cessation of violence, underscore the importance of a UN mission.

As agreed with the Syrian authorities, a UN team including officers from the Department of Peacekeeping Operations led by Major-General Robert Mood of Norway has arrived in Syria to start technical preparations for the potential deployment of observers to monitor a cessation of armed violence  and the full implementation of the six-point plan.

As we prepare for such a mission, we need to keep the unique character of the Syrian crisis in mind. The violence in Syria cannot be addressed through the means of a traditional observer mission interposed between two armies. The situation is fluid. There is no established frontline. Peace will not be consolidated without a credible political process.  What we would need on the ground is a small and nimble United Nations presence. It would need to be deployed quickly with a broad and flexible mandate. Its freedom of movement throughout the country and security must be assured. It should engage all relevant parties. It should constantly and rapidly observe, establish and assess facts and conditions on the ground in an objective manner.

Mr. President,

A cessation of violence is an important beginning. But we must move quickly forward on a political process to meet the aspirations of the Syrian people. We must commence a comprehensive political dialogue between the Syrian government and the whole spectrum of the Syrian opposition.  This must enable a Syrian-led political transition to a democratic, plural political system, in which citizens are equal regardless of their affiliations or ethnicities or beliefs..

It will be vital that the opposition can engage effectively in such a process, and  I continue to place a high priority on engaging them. Progress has been made on improving inclusivity and method of work within the Syrian opposition, though more needs to be done.  

Mr. President,

I am acutely aware of the grave situation on the ground. I am impatient for action on commitments made. I hope both Government and opposition understand what is at stake and seize this moment. Let us stop the killing and start serious political dialogue, for the wellbeing of the Syrian people.

In this regard, our collective effort will be critical. I ask those States with influence on the parties to use it now to help bring about a cessation of violence and support implementation of the six point plan in all its aspects.  The unity of the international community behind one mediation effort offers the best chance to end the violence and help Syria steer its own course to a peaceful and democratic future.

The transformational winds blowing in the region today cannot be resisted, at least not for long. The only option is for leaders to adjust their sails and to embrace change and reform.

Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you, Secretary-General.