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May 30, 2013

Ban, U.N. Rights Chief Criticize Arms Shipments to Syria 
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The impasse comes amidst recent decisions by global actors to increase
arms shipments to both sides of the conflict in Syria. At the United
Nations, both Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and human rights chief Navi
Pillay said more weapons will only increase Syria's suffering.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon: "I have been urging all the parties
who have influence to both sides, they should urge both sides to stop
fighting. And there is no shortage of arms in both sides. Just providing
arms to either side will not help this process. There is no such
military solution in this case."

U.N. High Commissioner For Human Rights Navi Pillay: "The solution must
be political, it will not be military. Outside forces including some
states, are reported to be actively fueling the conflict by providing
weapons and ammunition to one side or the other. This emboldens the
belligerents."

In an interview today, Syrian President Basher al-Assad confirmed he has
received the first shipment of an air defense system from Russia. Assad
vowed to use it should Israel launch more air strikes like those earlier
this month.

 

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