Annan: Lebanon Must Deter Arms Smuggling, Frustrated by Syrian Violence
UN special envoy to Syria Kofi Annan acknowledged Friday that "many have become impatient but that work toward a democratic transition of power in Syria should continue."
He also added that it was up to the UN Security Council to end the UN observer mission but that it was important to continue working toward a peaceful transition of power for the sake of the Syrian people.
Annan said that he "was disturbed by the killings in Syria particularly following the Houla massacre that left over 100 dead."
"The UN observers are monitoring the situation in Syria. I am sure that UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is taking the necessary measures to maintain an unbiased mission in the country," Annan added.
In parallel, the UN envoy responded to calls for announcing the failure of his mission by saying: "The UN Security Council decides when the peace plan has failed. We should reach a solution to a transitional phase."
"Bold action has to be taken by President [Bashar al-Assad] in Syria to put real energy into the implementation of the six-point peace plan," Annan stated.
However, the man also struck a note of optimism, telling reporters in Beirut that the Syria crisis was "not something that can go on forever."
In a press conference at the Grand Serail following talks with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Annan stated that "we should deter arms smuggling and the Lebanese government informed me clearly that it prevents smuggling."
Annan said he discussed with Mikati the measures taken by Jordan and Lebanon to steer clear of the repercussions of the Syrian crisis.
The international envoy said they also discussed the abduction of the 11 Lebanese pilgrims by Syrian rebels.
"We will do whatever we can to help in the case ... We hope that they will released soon," said Annan.
The envoy, who arrived in Lebanon Thursday and met with President Michel Suleiman and House Speaker Nabih Berri, has warned of instability in Lebanon should Syria slide into a civil war.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by moqawama.org
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