The Secretary-General welcomes the understandings reached on Syria by G8 leaders today in their communique, including the commitment to bring the Syrian sides to the negotiating table. He stands ready to convene the Geneva Conference on Syria as soon as possible to help the Syrian sides reach a comprehensive agreement based on the Geneva communiqué of 30 June 2012.

The announcement of additional contributions of USD 1.5 billion in humanitarian aid is very welcome and will be critical in saving the lives of Syrians.

The Secretary-General also welcomes the call of the G8 for all parties to the conflict to allow access to the United Nations Mission to Investigate Allegations of the Use of Chemical Weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic. The reports submitted to him by Member States, including by the Syrian Government, are serious and warrant full and impartial investigation.