Ban Ki-moon criticizes Assad for the terrible suffering of Syrians
January 08, 2013: The UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon has criticized the speech
of Bashar al-Assad, judging it not useful to ending "the terrible sufferings" of the
Syrian people.
Two days ago, Assad gave a speech in which he laid down conditions
for a dialogue with the opposition, but ruled out all opponents whom he accuses of
being "terrorists" backed by foreign forces. Assad's words were strongly criticized
by the United States, European Union and Britain.
For Ban Ki-moon, the Syrian
president's words "do not contribute to a solution." For some time the UN has been
seeking a political transition, involving the formation of a transitional government
followed by free elections.
"At this time, the Syrian people are in desperate
need of a real solution to the crisis that is dividing the nation," conveyed Ban's
spokesman Martin Nesirky.
Ban has ruled out a military solution, reaffirming
the importance for the international community to build a "new and democratic Syria."
Since
last February, the UN has been committed to a peace plan, first with Kofi Annan, then
with Lakhdar Brahimi, involving all the regional powers, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar
and Iran. But so far both have been unable to ensure a cease-fire. Ban also criticized
the UN Security Council divided between the United States, France and Britain, as
opposed to Assad and Russia and China in favor of him.
Tomorrow, Brahimi will
meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi, the main supporter of Assad.
Yesterday, in Cairo he met with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar.
Qatar is among the countries that support the armed opposition to the Syrian regime.