Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Syria

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the appalling attack at Aleppo University yesterday, in which scores of people have been reported killed and wounded. Deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian targets constitutes a war crime. Such heinous attacks are unacceptable and must stop immediately. All combatting parties in Syria must abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law.  The Secretary-General sends his condolences to the families of those killed in this tragic attack. He believes this latest atrocity should be promptly and fully investigated.  He also calls for a reflection by all Syrians about the degradation of a conflict that is tearing their nation apart, and stresses the urgent need for a peaceful political solution that ends the violence and meets the democratic aspirations of the Syrian people.