UN: Secretary-General 'alarmed' as violence escalates in Suwaida; calls for transparency in probes

The United Nations said it is "alarmed by the continuing escalation of violence" in Suwaida and other parts of Syria and called for transparent investigations into reported abuses.

At a briefing at U.N. headquarters, the U.N. spokesperson said the secretary-general "unequivocally condemns all violence against civilians, reports of arbitrary killings and acts that fan the flames of sectarian tensions." The spokesperson added that the secretary-general "takes note" of statements by the Syrian presidency promising investigations and called for transparency in any probe.

The spokesperson also condemned "Israel's escalatory air strikes on Suwaida, Daraa and in the center of the Syrian capital Damascus," and referred to reported Israeli redeployments in the Golan. The U.N. reiterated its call for "an immediate cessation of all violations of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity and for respect of the 1974 disengagement of forces agreement." The briefing cited the need to support an "orderly and inclusive" political transition in line with Security Council resolution 2254.

U.N. special envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen is "working the phones," and his deputy, Najat Rochdi, was reported to be in Damascus and in contact with various parties, the spokesperson said. The U.N. also warned that violence is complicating both political efforts and humanitarian access.

Reporters asked whether the U.N. seeks independent probes; the spokesperson said the U.N. expects transparency and "buy in" for any investigation so that people will trust its findings. The spokesperson said Pedersen is in contact with Israel and other parties about developments.

The spokesperson emphasized protection responsibilities of the Syrian government, saying "the primary responsibility of the protection of Syrians living in Syria ... is that of the government of Syria."