UN chief welcomes formation of UN supervision mission in Syria

The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the UN Security Council resolution authorizing the establishment of a United Nations observer mission to Syria, for an initial period 90 days, to monitor the cessation of violence there, as well as monitor and support the full implementation of a peace plan. In a unanimous decision last night, the Council members passed a resolution calling for the formation of the "United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS), comprising an initial deployment of up to 300 unarmed military observers as well as an appropriate civilian component." The resolution also called for UNSMIS to be "deployed expeditiously subject to assessment by the Secretary-General of relevant developments on the ground, including the consolidation of the cessation of violence." In a statement issued after the Council's decision, the UN Chief's spokesperson said that Ban strongly welcomed the Council's decision, and that the deployment of UNSMIS will proceed expeditiously, in line with the Council's resolution. "The Secretary-General calls upon the Government of Syria and other parties swiftly to create the conditions necessary for the deployment of the mission," the spokesperson added. "He stresses the need for the Government of Syria to end all violence and human rights violations, and in particular to stop the use of heavy weapons and to withdraw such weapons and armed units from population centers." The statement noted that the UN chief expects the Government of Syria to ensure the effective operation of UNSMIS, including "full, unimpeded, and immediate" freedom of movement and access, and unobstructed communications, as well as its safety. "The Secretary General hopes that the establishment of UNSMIS, with the united and determined support of the Security Council, will help stop the killing and suffering in Syria, and contribute to move the country towards pluralism and democracy," Ban's spokesperson said. In relation to UNSMIS's freedom of movement, the Council resolution underlined the need for the Syrian Government and the United Nations to agree rapidly on appropriate air assets for the observers, to which the spokesperson said the Secretary General looks forward to an expeditious agreement on the issue.