In-focus

World

UN backs Syria envoy's ceasefire bid

Dunya News

The UN Security Council gave unanimous backing to a four-day truce in Syria on Eid holidays.

The Security Council on Wednesday unanimously endorsed a temporary cease-fire proposed by the U.N.-Arab League envoy to Syria during this weekends Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday, agreeing that it could break the cycle of violence and provide space for a political transition to begin in the war-torn nation.In a press statement approved by all 15 members, the U.N.s most powerful body, which has been deeply divided over Syria, called on all regional and international actors to support a cease-fire in Syria and to use their influence on President Bashar Assads government and opposition fighters to end the violence.The council urged both sides, but especially the Syrian government as the stronger party, to respond positively to the initiative and reiterated its call on Assad to allow immediate, full and unimpeded access of humanitarian personnel to all populations in need of assistance.The members of the council ... underscored the need to launch an inclusive Syrian-led political transition leading to a democratic, plural, political system that realizes the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people for democracy, equality and justice, regardless of their affiliation, ethnicities or beliefs, the statement said.Lakhdar Brahimi told the council, in a videoconference from Cairo, that he expected Syria to announce its support for the cease-fire Thursday, and he said unanimous support from the Security Council is indispensable, according to diplomats who attended the closed-door session.Brahimi was positive about the indications from the government, but he anticipated that they would be issuing a statement and obviously he was cautious until that statement has been issued, Britains U.N. Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant said after the meeting.Brahimi also told the council that he had been in touch with various members of the opposition, including the Free Syrian Army, who said they would be prepared to respond if the government took the first step in initiating a cease fire over the Eid period, Lyall Grant said.The Security Council has been divided over the conflict in Syria with permanent, veto-wielding members Russia and China vetoing three resolutions aimed at pressuring Assads government to halt the 19-month conflict and threatening sanctions.