As ceasefire deadline nears, Ban renews demand on Syria to halt violence

April 10, 2012: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday reiterated his demand that the Syrian Government immediately cease all military actions against civilians, amid a growing refugee flow into neighbouring countries and fatal cross-border fire that has resulted in deaths and injuries.
“The Secretary-General strongly deplored Monday’s fatal cross-border shootings from Syria into Turkey, as well as into Lebanon,” his spokesperson said in a statement.
The Secretary - General spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Monday, who conveyed his authorities’ utmost concern over the recent developments.
According to media reports, Syrian forces opened fire across the Turkish border and at least two people have died and many others have been injured. In a separate incident, a Lebanese cameraman was reportedly shot dead on the Syria-Lebanon border.
Ban Ki-moon is “alarmed” by the reports of ongoing violence and human rights violations in that country . Syria has informed the Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States, Kofi Annan, last week that it will withdraw its troops from populated areas by 10 April.