President of UNGA: Over 8,000 killed in Syria

Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, President of the 66th United Nations General Assembly, Monday said the conditions in Syria are appalling and called on the internatonal community to act to stop the violence. "Over 8,000 people have been killed so far, including many women and children. Violations of human rights are widespread and systematic. Honourable members the international community has a responsibility to act," he told the European Parliament's Committee on Development tonight. "This is a critical moment for the international community. We need to put aside our differences, and think not only at our national interests. We need to step up for the good of humanity," said al-Nasser. Reerring to the question of Palestine, he said "I know that no one in this room needs to be convinced of the urgent need for a just and comprehensive peace settlement in the Middle East, a settlement resolving the issue of two sovereign and independent states, Israel and Palestine."