UN asks both sides in Syria to work to end violence

The UN Security Council has sent a message to the Syrian government and opposition to immediately implement proposals by international envoy Kofi Annan to end the year-long bloodshed.

A non-binding statement approved by the previously-divided 15-member council spells out six proposals which include a ceasefire first by the Syrian government, a daily two-hour halt to fighting to evacuate the injured and provide humanitarian aid, and Syrian-led political talks “to address the legitimate concerns of the Syrian people”.

Mr Annan, the joint UN-Arab League envoy, appealed to the Security Council last Friday for its backing, saying the stronger and more unified the message, the better the chances of shifting the dynamics of the conflict.

Britain’s ambassador Mark Lyall Grant, the current Security Council president, said the statement was sending a “strong and united message to the Syrian government and all other actors in Syria that they need to respond immediately to the six-point plan”.

In an attempt to win support from Russia and China, which have twice vetoed UN resolutions condemning President Bashar al-Assad’s crackdown on protesters, the statement was watered down to eliminate possible consideration of “further measures” which could include sanctions or military action.

The statement now asks Mr Annan to update the council on the progress of his mission and says: “In the light of these reports, the Security Council will consider further steps as appropriate.”

A presidential statement, which needs approval from all council members, becomes part of the council’s permanent record. But unlike resolutions, it is not legally binding.