UN calls to continue consultations to solve Syrian crisis peacefully

(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency) The United Nations Security Council reiterated late Monday its demand that all parties of the Syrian conflict must cease attacks against civilians, as well as any indiscriminate use of weapons in populated areas, and work towards a political solution to the years-long crisis.

The Security Council supported the approach set out by the Special Envoy to work for political negotiations and a political transition based on the Geneva Communiqué through more focused consultations and discussions with the Syrian parties in four thematic working groups: safety and protection for all, political and legal issues, military, security and counterterrorism issues, and continuity of public services and reconstruction and development.

"The only sustainable solution to the current crisis in Syria is through an inclusive and Syrian-led political process that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people, with a view to full implementation of the Geneva Communiqué of 30 June 2012 ," says a statement read by the Council President for August Ambassador of Nigeria, Joy Ogwu.

The UN body reaffirmed its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria and all other States affected by the Syrian conflict .The council reiterated its demands as set forth in resolution 2139, that all parties cease any attacks against civilians, as well as any indiscriminate use of weapons in populated areas, including shelling and barrel bombs. It also demanded for the immediate end to arbitrary detention, torture, kidnappings, abductions and forced disappearances of civilians and the immediate release of those arbitrarily detained, including journalists and humanitarian personnel.

The statement stressed that rapid progress on a political solution should include full participation by all segments of Syrian society, including women, and represents the only sustainable way to resolve the situation in Syria peacefully.

The Security Council expressed grave alarm that the Syrian crisis has become the largest humanitarian emergency crisis in the world today, threatening peace and security in the region.