Annan Expects Answers from Syria on his Proposals Tuesday
International mediator Kofi Annan said he expected a response from Damascus on Tuesday on proposals he made during his visit to Syria at the weekend, and again demanded a halt to violence.
"I am expecting to hear from Syrian authorities today since I left some concrete proposals for them to consider," the U.N. and Arab League envoy told reporters in Ankara after a meeting with the Syrian opposition.
"Once I receive their answer we will know how to react."
The former U.N. chief arrived in Turkey on Monday after a failed attempt at negotiations with Damascus at the weekend aimed at ending the escalating violence that activists say has killed over 8,500 in a year.
"Let me say that the killings and the violence must cease," Annan told reporters after meeting six representatives from the opposition Syrian National Council headed by their leader Burhan Ghalioun.
"The Syrian people have gone a lot and they deserve better," Annan said.
"I have made it clear at the beginning of my mission that my main preoccupation is welfare of Syrian people and the Syrian nation. We should put the interest of people at the center of everything we do."
He added: "With goodwill and determination I'm hopeful we will make progress."
The envoy said he had a "useful meeting" with Syrian opposition members who "promised their full cooperation which will be necessary if we are going to succeed".
Source: Agence France Presse
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