The Secretary-General met today with H. E. Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, Joint Special Representative for Syria. Mr. Brahimi briefed the Secretary-General on his recent trip to the region, including Damascus.

They focused on how to address the appalling levels of violence in Syria and how to progress towards an inclusive political solution that will address the legitimate demands of the Syrian people.  They agreed that the worsening crisis in Syria represents a steadily increasing threat to regional peace and security.

The Secretary-General and Mr. Brahimi also discussed the importance of the presence of world leaders at the United Nations in the coming days as an opportunity to encourage increased support for addressing the grave humanitarian crisis in Syria and its impact on the neighbouring countries.

Mr. Brahimi will brief the Security Council on Monday morning.