UN chief Ban Ki-moon
welcomed UN Security Council's "clear and unified" message to the Syrian
government, saying the adoption of statement marks a "turning point" in
the international community's response to the year-long crisis in the
Arab country. 
The 15-nation UNSC adopted the statement that backs joint UN-Arab
League envoy Kofi Annan's six point proposals to end the violence and
human rights violations, secure humanitarian access and facilitate a
comprehensive political dialogue between the Syrian government and
opposition.
Welcoming the adoption of the statement, Ban said he is "encouraged
by the clear and unified message of the Council," which has extended its
support to Annans efforts to finding a solution to the year-long Syrian
crisis that has killed over 8000 people.
As the situation continues to deteriorate in Syria, "it is more
urgent than ever to find a solution that will end the tragic suffering
of the Syrian people," Ban said, adding that the united action by the
Council marks a "turning point" in the international communitys response
to this crisis.
Ban "adds his voice to the Council's in calling upon the Syrian
government and opposition to work in good faith with the Joint Special
Envoy towards a peaceful settlement of the Syrian crisis, and to
implement fully and immediately his initial six-point proposal submitted
to the Syrian authorities," a statement by Ban's spokesperson said.
In the statement, the Security Council called upon the Syrian
Government and opposition to work with Annan towards a peaceful
settlement of the Syrian crisis and to implement fully and immediately
his initial six-point proposal.
It also said it will consider "further steps as appropriate" based on
any progress reported by Annan on his mission. The presidential
statement is non-binding in nature but still becomes part of the UN
records.
Unlike a UN resolution, a presidential statement can be adopted if it
is approved unanimously by all 15 Council members and does not require
nine votes in favour and no vetoes from the five permanent council
members to be passed.
The last presidential statement on Syria was adopted in August 2011, when India held the rotating presidency of the UNSC.
UN diplomats called the adoption of the statement a "good sign",
given that Russia and China have in the past not been on the same page
as the other Council members.
Russia's UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said the council had "finally
chosen to take a pragmatic look at Syria" by adopting the statement.
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