Afp, Saint Petersburg
UN chief Ban Ki-moon made an impassioned plea yesterday against military action in Syria, warning that it could spark further sectarian violence in a country already suffering from a humanitarian crisis “unprecedented” in recent history.
Meanwhile, the head of Syria’s parliament has urged the US Congress to vote against military action targeting the Syrian regime, state news agency SANA said yesterday.
“Any military intervention would be illegal because Syria is a sovereign country and does not represent a threat to the United States, and any strike would not be authorised by the (UN) Security Council,” Lahham said urging diplomacy to solve the crisis.
Speaking at a humanitarian meeting hosted by Britain on the sidelines of the G20 summit, Ban called on world powers to put aside their differences over the Syrian conflict, and to take concerted action to get desperately needed aid to the population.
“I must warn that ill-considered military action could cause serious and tragic consequences, and with an increased threat of further sectarian violence,” Ban said.
About third of Syria’s pre-war 20.8 million population has fled abroad or have been forced from their homes during the popular uprising against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime which is now in its third year, UN refugee agency data showed.
“This is a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions in recent history,” Ban said.
But “as some flee the country, others dig in to fight,” Ban said, pointing to the need therefore to “avoid further militarisation of the conflict and revitalise the search for a political settlement instead.”
With a political solution proving elusive as world leaders dig in their heels over their entrenched positions, Ban called for unity in securing humanitarian aid for the population.
Heads of state and international organisations pose for the family photo during the G20 summit in Saint Petersburg yesterday. Photo: AFP
Meanwhile, Russia yesterday warned the United States against targeting Syria’s chemical arsenal.
“With particular concern we perceive the fact that military infrastructure facilities securing the integrity and safety of Syria’s chemical arsenal are among the possible targets for military strikes,” the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.
“In this respect we warn US authorities and their allies against striking any chemical facilities and adjacent territories,” the statement said.
“Such actions would represent a dangerous new turn in the tragic development of the Syria crisis,” the ministry said, warning that the strikes could prompt the release of highly toxic substances.
Source: The Daily Star
