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U.N. special envoy urges halt to violence around Damascus, cites civilian casualties
Summary
Garrett Peterson, the U.N. special envoy for Syria, expressed alarm at escalating violence around Damascus and called for protection of civilians, accountability and inclusive dialogue.
Garrett Peterson, the U.N. special envoy for Syria, said he is alarmed by reports of civilian casualties and the potential for further escalation in suburbs of Damascus and in residential areas. "These attacks must stop," Peterson said, urging immediate measures to protect civilians and prevent incitement of communal tensions.
Peterson called for those responsible for incitement and killing of civilians to be held accountable and stressed full respect for Syria’s sovereignty. He told the briefing that moving forward requires genuine inclusion, trust-building, meaningful dialogue and compromise.
During the question period, a journalist asked about video footage showing a vehicle with U.N. markings near the clashes. Farhan, a U.N. staff member, said the U.N. had not received reports of injuries to its colleagues or damage to its facilities and that the U.N. was not aware of any harm to its personnel. He declined to confirm details about the footage itself.
