Arab League: Syrian Presidential elections contradict with Geneva I communique

CAIRO, April 22 (KUNA) -- Arab League Secretary General Nabil Al-Araby said Tuesday Damascus' decision to hold presidential elections on June 3 was a "contradiction of the Geneva I communique." Al-Araby said the Syrian parliament's announcement yesterday of holding of elections was contradicting with the Damascus government's promises to comply with the June 2012 Geneva I communique, which paved way for transition and formation of a body with executive powers.
Al-Araby, in a statement, said this announcement would hamper efforts to bring the Syrian government and opposition to the negotiations' table.
Practically, added Al-Araby, "fair, democratic and credible presidential elections cannot be held amidst the humanitarian ordeal of the Syrian people and the dangerous military escalation in Syria." Elections cannot be held while more than six million Syrians are either internally displaced or living in refugee camps in neighboring countries, said the Arab League chief.
The conflict in Syria, which broke out in March 2011, killed some 150,000 people. (end) ms.bs