UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply concerned over the continued violence in the Druze-majority area in Suweida governorate in southern Syria, which has resulted in dozens of casualties, including among civilians, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN chief, on Tuesday.
“He is disturbed by reports of arbitrary killings of civilians, sectarian incitement, and looting of private property. He condemns all violence against civilians, especially acts that risk inflaming sectarian tensions,” Dujarric said at a daily briefing.
The spokesman said the secretary-general urges Syria’s interim authorities and local leaders to immediately de-escalate, protect civilians, restore calm, and prevent further incitement, and further urges the interim authorities to transparently and openly investigate and hold to account those responsible for violations.
Guterres is also concerned about Israel’s airstrikes on Syrian territory and calls on Israel to refrain from violations of Syria’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, said Dujarric.
“The Secretary-General underscores that it is imperative to support a credible, orderly and inclusive political transition in Syria in line with the key principles of resolution 2254 (2015),” he said.
(UNI)
