Annan urges Security Council to take action on Syria

Diplomats said that Kofi Annan sent this letter to the Security Council today: 

"Excellency,

I am writing in the light of the tragic reports coming out of the village of Trem-seh, near Hama, of intense fighting and significant casualties. The use of artillery, tanks and helicopters, which has been confirmed by UNSMIS, is a violation of the Syrian Government's obligations and commitments to cease the use of heavy weapons in population centres under the six-point plan and Security Council resolutions 2042 and 2043.

When i briefed the Security Council on 11 July, I stated that despite repeated promises to comply with its obligation to cease the use of heavy weapons, the Government has increased its operations - with shelling, mechanized infantry and the use of helicopter gunships, including in population centres.

Tragically, we now have another grim reminder that the Council's resolutions continue to be flouted. On Wednesday I recommended that the Council should insist on implementation of its decisions, and send a message to all that there will be consequences for non-compliance. This is imperative and could not be more urgent in light of unfolding events.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Kofi A. Annan

Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and

the League of Arab States for Syria

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