Kofi Annan Hopes 300 UN Monitors Will Solidify Syria Ceasefire Pact
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Jason Kempin/FilmMagic(NEW YORK) — United Nations special emissary Kofi Annan has faith that the 300 ceasefire monitors for Syria approved by the Security Council is a turning point in the long conflict that has cost thousands of lives.
For the past week, a handful of observers has tried to get an idea if the Syrian government is adhering to Annan’s six-point plan to end the 13-month crackdown on President Bashar al-Assad’s political foes.
Up to now, the ceasefire has only resulted in a slowdown of hostilities, with each side blaming the other for breaking the peace.
Annan said on Sunday that the deployment of 300 monitors is a “pivotal moment for the stabilization of the country” and hopes it spurs government and opposition forces to finally stop the fighting that has led to more than 11,000 fatalities, according to one human rights group.
In a statement, Annan stated, “The work of the Mission should help create the conditions conducive to launching the much-needed political process, which would address the legitimate concerns and aspirations of the Syrian people.”
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