Mr. Kofi Annan, Joint Special Envoy for Syria meets Syrian National Council Leader Ghalioun

13 March 2012

I came to Ankara to meet Prime Minister Erdogan to meet with Prime Minister Erdogan, and also had a good working dinner with the Foreign Minister. We discussed the situiation in Syria, as you can imagine. I briefed them on what happened since my appointment as (JointUN/LAS Special) Envoy (for Syria), and we followed discussions in the Security Council. I also indicated to them that I’m expecting to hear from the Syrian authorities today, since I left concrete proposals with them to consider, and once I receive their answer we will know how to react.

But let me say that the killing and the violence must stop. The Syrian people have gone through lot, they deserve better. I have made it clear at the beginning of my mission that my main preoccupation is the welfare of the Syrian people and the Syrian nation. We should put the interests of the people at the centre of everything that we do. And I know that the strong international community support, the whole world is coming together, is working with us to resolve this situation in Syria and with goodwill and determination I am hopeful we will make progress.

And I also had the chance this morning to meet with Dr (Burhan) Ghalioun of the SNC. It was a useful meeting. We had constructive discussions as to my approach and how the future development of the process would be. And they have also promised their full cooperation which will be necessary if we are to succeed.

Thank you.