UN and Arab League chiefs support call for cease-fire in Syria during Muslim holiday
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Martin Nesirky
The UN Secretary-General and his Arab League counterpart are appealing for warring parties in Syria to observe a cease-fire during one of the holiest holidays in the Muslim calendar.
In a statement on Friday, the two leaders also called on regional and international actors to support the appeal which was made by their Joint Special Representative, Lakhdar Brahimi.
Brahimi this week called for a cease-fire during Eid Al-Adha, the festival celebrated at the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, which is scheduled to begin on 26 October.
UN spokesperson Martin Nesirky read the joint statement by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Elaraby.
"The Secretaries-General appeal to all, in particular the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic as the stronger party, to show wisdom and vision and stop the killing and destruction so that all the issues, however complex, can be addressed through peaceful means. The Secretaries-General call on all Syrian, regional and international parties to take the necessary measures to ensure the success of Mr. Brahimi’s efforts." (Duration: 28″)
The two leaders said the cease-fire and cessation of all violence would allow Syrians to observe the religious holiday in peace and security.
They said the longer the violence lasts, the more difficult it will be to find a political solution and rebuild Syria.
