Ban strongly condemns bombing attack on Turkey-Syria border

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned in strong terms the attack at the Cilvegozu border crossing between Turkey and Syria earlier this week, which led to the death of both Turkish and Syrian nationals, his press office said in a statement. Expressing his condolences to the families of the victims and wishing those injured speedy recovery, Ban underscored the "unacceptability of using violence against civilians" and reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law, according to the statement, issued late on Tuesday. As the bloodshed in Syria continues unabated, the statement said, "the threats to peace and security in the region are increasing. The Secretary-General reiterates his deep concern over the spillover of the Syrian crisis into neighbouring countries. He renews his call for all parties to refrain from using violence, exercise restraint and move toward a political solution." A minibus, bearing Syrian number plates, exploded at a crossing on the border on Monday, killing 14 people and wounding dozens more. George Sabra, president of the Syrian National Council (SNC), an opposition group in exile, said the blast appeared to have targeted his motorcade, and told a news conference in Turkey that he heard the blast shortly after crossing the border checkpoint, after a trip to northern Syria.