The Secretary-General and the Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States for Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, met today in Mt. Pelerin, Switzerland, for discussions on the ongoing situation in Syria and the Joint Special Representative's continuing efforts to encourage a political solution.
Both expressed deep frustration at the failure of the international community to act with unity to end the conflict, which has left over 70,000 dead and resulted in a massive human displacement within and outside of the Syrian borders. In this context, the Secretary-General and Mr. Brahimi stressed the necessity of the unity of the international community.
They regretted that the government and armed opposition forces have become increasingly reckless with human life and stressed the importance of accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity. They reaffirmed their conviction that the international community should remain focused on pursuing a political solution which is the best hope for arriving at a peaceful, democratic Syria that protects the right of all of its communities.
The Secretary-General and Mr. Brahimi also spoke about recent statements by the Syrian Government and the opposition indicating their willingness to engage in dialogue. The United Nations would welcome and be prepared to facilitate a dialogue between a strong and representative delegation from the opposition and a credible and empowered delegation from the Syrian Government, which can take place according to an agreed agenda.