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Ban calls on parties to Syrian conflict to refrain from attacks on civilians

NEW YORK, May 23 (KUNA) -- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon reiterated today his call on all parties to the Syrian conflict to refrain from attacks on the civilian population, and that those perpetrating such attacks must be held accountable for their crimes.
In a statement issued by his press office, Ban condemned the terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of dozens of civilians in the Syrian coastal cities of Jableh and Tartous.
The Secretary General also took note with great concern of the escalating military activity in many areas in and around Damascus, and affirmed that the violence, particularly in Daraya, Aleppo and Idlib, and in the northern countryside of Homs, especially Al-Houla, "is causing mounting civilian casualties." UN Chief reminded all parties to the cessation of hostilities of their duty to abide by its terms, in accordance with Security Council resolution 2268, and called on upon all Member States to take "immediate, collective and decisive" action to bring the tragedy unfolding in Syria to an end, in line with their commitments in accordance with Security Council resolutions 2254 and 2268. (end) mao.bs