Note to correspondents - Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan in Syria

The UN / LAS Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan met President Bashar Al-Assad in Damascus today.  Mr. Annan expressed grave concern at the situation in Syria and urged the President to take concrete steps to end the current crisis.

Mr. Annan put several proposals on the table regarding stopping the violence and the killing, access for humanitarian agencies and the ICRC, release of detainees, and the start of an inclusive political dialogue to address the legitimate aspirations and concerns of the people.

Mr. Annan described the talk as candid and comprehensive. He will meet President Assad again tomorrow to resume discussions. Later in the day Mr. Annan met opposition leaders and young activists, as well as prominent businessmen and businesswomen.

The JSE departs Damascus tomorrow afternoon for Doha, Qatar.