Nuncio calls for peace in Syria

August 25, 2012: People in Syria are "stunned and deeply saddened and worried for the future," said Archbishop Mario Zenari, the Apostolic Nuncio to Syria on Friday. In an interview with Vatican Radio, the nuncio said Monday’s withdrawal of U.N. forces was a sad blow. Three or four months ago, he noted, people were quite hopeful the mission would enjoy success, but their departure has plunged the country back into reality.
“The international community must not give up, it must keep trying," he said. Archbishop Zenari called for peace and lamented actions taken by both sides of the conflict.
“At this moment we must require all sides in the conflict to rigorously respect international humanitarian law which, as we've seen, has gone to pieces because of the actions of both sides,” said Archbishop Mario Zenari. “Unfortunately, now there's the impression and the general fear that things have gotten out of hand.”
U.N. military observers left Syria on Monday, August 20 after it was clear the cease-fire they were meant to monitor did not exist. The same day, U.S. President Barack Obama warned there would be "enormous consequences" for Syria, if it began moving, or using its stockpile of chemical weapons.
“Finding a path to peace is a very difficult thing that will entail sacrifices; it's painful, but it's something that no one can do for the Syrians,” Archbishop Zenari added. “We really need to encourage all ethnic and religious groups to find the path to peace together.”