LOC00:07
21:07 GMT
NEW YORK, March 15 (KUNA) -- UN staff gathered at the world's top body's headquarters observing a moment of silence to give a voice to those affected by the Syrian conflict and send a message to Member States and world leaders to put an end to the six-year carnage.
Marking six years since the start of the Syrian conflict, UN staff gathered around the "Knotted Gun" sculpture in the Visitor's Centre Plaza. They also held photos of a six-year-old Syrian child calling to put an end to this brutal war. Not only in New York, but UN staff around the globe collectively observed a moment of silence in this sad occasion.
In a statement released today, the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres issued two appeals to all parties as the war enters its seventh year. First, he appealed to make the most of the December 30th, 2016 ceasefire established by the guarantors of the Astana meetings, enhance it further, and ensure that humanitarian aid reach all those in need in Syria without any impediments.
Second, the UN Chief appealed to all those with influence on parties to the conflict to overcome their differences and work together, namely contributing to the success of the intra-Syrian negotiations in Geneva on the basis of the Geneva communique and relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2254.
"Peace in Syria is a moral and political imperative both for the Syrian people and for the world -- an imperative that cannot wait," Guterres added. He stressed that for six years now, the Syrian people have been victims of one of the worst conflicts of all time.
In a separate statement, the US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley renewed her country's call for a negotiated path to peace. "We stand beside UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura as he facilitates dialogue to end the war, and we urge the international community to help in reaching a sustainable political settlement," she added.
US top diplomat said in her statement that a political solution must bring the Syrian people peace and stability, free from the threat of terrorism, the despotism of its own government, and interference from self-serving foreign states.
Marking the seventh horrific year of the Syrian crisis, the Syrians are suffering some of the worst forms of cruelty imaginable: air strikes, barrel bombs, sniper fire, chemical weapons attacks targeting civilians, and denial of access to food and water. (end)
mao.hb