Berlin Says U.N. Resolution on Syria Urgent, Rome Urges Humanitarian Access
The Syrian army's operations in the north of country makes a U.N. Security Council resolution all the more pressing, Germany said on Sunday.
"The dangerous situation makes a clear reaction from the U.N. Security Council all the more urgent," German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, whose country currently holds a non-permanent seat on the council, said in a statement.
"Our political and diplomatic efforts remain directed at getting the resolution we drafted (together with Britain, France and Portugal) passed as soon as possible," Westerwelle added.
He said: "I condemn the actions of the Syrian leadership in the north of the country. The violence and the use of heavy weaponry are threatening to create a humanitarian crisis.
"I call on those responsible in Damascus to stop the violence immediately and to allow access to humanitarian assistance and helpers to the crisis-hit areas."
Britain, France, Germany and Portugal have shown their frustration at opposition to a resolution from some of the 15 Security Council members, and behind-the-scenes talks were continuing through the weekend.
Veto-holders Russia and China have opposed the resolution and South Africa, Brazil and India have also expressed strong reservations.
Syrian state television said Sunday that troops had fought violent battles with "armed gangs" in the flashpoint town of Jisr al-Shughour, where members of the security forces were killed this month.
Meanwhile, Italy slammed the "unacceptable use of violence" in northern Syria and called for "immediate and unlimited" access for the Red Cross.
"The Italian government is following with great concern the evolution of the humanitarian crisis provoked by the assault from government forces in northern Syria," Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's office said in a statement on Sunday.
Italy "condemns the unacceptable use of violence against (Syria's) own people which cannot lead to any solution," it said, adding that humanitarian assistance was needed to take care of "wounded, prisoners and refugees".
"Italy is asking the Syrian government to cease all violence and to allow a neutral organization like the International Committee of the Red Cross immediate and unlimited access to the region," the statement added.
Source: Agence France Presse
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