UN's Ban says killing of peaceful demonstrators is "unacceptable", calls for investigation

UN's Ban says killing of peaceful demonstrators is "unacceptable", calls for investigation

2011-04-11 02:04:43 GMT+7 (ICT)

NEW YORK (BNO NEWS) -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said during a phone call with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad that he is "greatly disturbed" by the latest reports of violence in Syria, where both protesters and security personnel have been killed during anti-government demonstrations.

Ban spoke by telephone with al-Assad on Saturday, telling him that the killing of peaceful demonstrators is "unacceptable" and that they should be investigated. Al-Assad has pledged to investigate these reports, the UN said.

Further noting reports that some demonstrators have also used violence and killed security personnel, Ban said violence from any side should be deplored.

The Secretary-General reiterated that every government has a duty to protect civilians and respect the rights and freedoms of the population, including free speech and peaceful assembly. Protesters should also be peaceful, he said.

Ban further urged the release of detained demonstrators as soon as possible. He took note of al-Assad's announced reforms and said he was convinced that there was no alternative to an immediate and inclusive dialogue on comprehensive reforms.

The anti-government protests in January and have been fueled by successful protests in other countries such as Egypt and Tunisia, where the events led to the removal of their leaders. In Libya, ongoing demonstrations have led to an all-out civil war.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-04-11