Opening Remarks of Joint Special Envoy For Syria’s Press Conference

OPENING REMARKS OF JOINT SPECIAL ENVOY FOR SYRIA’S PRESS CONFERENCE – DAMASCUS, 29 MAY 2012

Good afternoon.

As you know, I arrived in Damascus yesterday and I met President Assad this morning. I had earlier met the Foreign Minister, and I have also had a range of other meetings with opposition and civil society figures.

In my meeting with President Assad, I conveyed in frank terms the grave concern of the international community about the violence in Syria, including the recent shocking events in Houleh.  I should note that he condemned the killings, too.

The Security Council has made clear the need for these killings to be investigated and for those responsible to be held accountable. I also note that the Government of Syria is organizing its own investigations and that is very encouraging.

In my meeting with President Assad, I expressed appreciation for the cooperation of the Syrian Government, which enabled the UN to deploy an observer mission to Syria, quickly.

However, I shared with President Assad my assessment that the six point plan is not being implemented as it must be.

We are at a tipping point. The Syrian people do not want the future to be one of bloodshed and division. Yet the killings continue and the abuses are still with us today.
As I reminded the President, the international community will soon be reviewing the situation.

I appealed to him for bold steps now – not tomorrow, now – to create momentum for the implementation of the plan.

This means that the Government, and all Government-backed militias, could stop all military operations and show maximum restraint. I appealed to the President as the government and stronger partner in this conflict to be bold for the Syrian people.

The violence has stopped.  We all remember the violence stopped before, on the 12 of April, there was calm.  There is no reason it cannot stop again. Both sides stopped the 12 of April and it can be done again. What is required is the will and determination and concern for the Syrian people.

I also appeal to the armed opposition to cease acts of violence.

And I also ask all States with influence to impress upon the Government and all parties the need for a cessation of violence in all its forms – including the continuing human rights abuses.

I also strongly appealed to the President to exercise his power and release detainees.  It is also essential that access is granted to all detainees and places of detention.

In addition, President Assad and I agreed on the importance of humanitarian aid flowing to all parts of the country, including unfettered access for the UN and aid agencies.

I urged the President to respect freedom of peaceful protest, and to ensure that people are allowed to voice their views without fear.

I noted that more journalists, more foreign journalists, are gaining visas to enter Syria, and encouraged the President to continue along this path and further open up.

Let me stress once again: the violence must stop and the six point plan must be implemented. I need the President to act now.  I need other parties to do their part.

Let me finish with a message to all Syrians:  I know that you want a peaceful future. We must not let the bitterness and bloodshed consume the country.

For the sake of Syria, and for the region, we must end this violence and begin to restore hope in a political transition to a democratic future – a future in which all communities have their place. I am totally committed to this cause and I am sure you all are.

Thank you. I will now take your questions.