Ban Ki-moon issues urgent appeal to Syria

 New York, 1 June 2013 - Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the situation in Qusayr, Syria

 The Secretary-General is following with the gravest concern the situation in Qusayr, Syria, where fighting has been raging in recent days.

He urges all sides to do their utmost to avoid civilian casualties. He also reminds the Government of its responsibility to protect civilians

who come under its control, including from the threat of militias. He calls on the warring parties to allow trapped civilians to escape the town.

As preparations for an international conference on Syria intensify, he reminds all parties to the conflict that the eyes of the world are upon them,

and that they will be held accountable for any acts of atrocity carried out against the civilian population of Qusayr.