Kuwait City: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his deep concern Friday regarding the recent clashes in coastal areas of Syria, including reports of extrajudicial killings and civilian casualties. In a statement, the UN chief’s spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Guterres also expressed strong condemnation of all acts of violence in Syria, calling on the parties to protect civilians and cease hostilities.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Secretary-General stressed the importance of reconciliation and a peaceful political transition being the country’s top priorities after 14 years of conflict, saying, “Syrians deserve sustainable peace, prosperity and justice.” Earlier, United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen expressed deep alarm at reports of intense clashes and killings in coastal areas including between Syrian Caretaker Authority forces and elements loyal to the former regime with very troubling reports of civilian casualties.