New chief takes over UN Supervision Mission in Syria
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Hervé Ladsous(left), USG for Peacekeeping Operations and Lieutenant General Babacar Gaye, new head of UNSMIS
The new head of the UN Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS) is hoping for a reduction in violence during the operation's final mandate in the country.
Lieutenant General Babacar Gaye, who was introduced to the press in Damascus on Wednesday, said he was taking charge at a very difficult time.
UNSMIS had suspended its activities in mid-June due to the increased violence in Syria.
"We are back with the hope that wisdom will prevail; that there will be in this tunnel some light that we can seize and obtain less violence. We have 30 days, and around today 27 days to go, so every opportunity will be seized to alleviate the suffering of the population. This is what is our main concern." (Duration: 25″)
General Gaye, who is from Senegal, has taken over command of the mission from Major General Robert Mood whose tour of duty ended on 20 July.
