George Herald | SA condemns Syria massacre

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SA condemns Syria massacre
12:23 (GMT+2), Wed, 30 May 2012

NATIONAL NEWS - The South African government on Wednesday condemned the "brutal attacks" in the Syrian village of El-Houleh in the past week, in which more than 100 people were killed.

Deputy international relations minister Ebrahim Ebrahim said the attacks were repugnant and called for those responsible to be held accountable.

"We find the use of violence in Syria repugnant and appeal to all parties to the conflict to immediately cease the violence in all manner and forms," he said.

South Africa had consistently expressed its deep concern about the deteriorating political, security, socio-economic and humanitarian situation in Syria.

Ebrahim said South Africa supported an "immediate and thorough investigation" of the events around the carnage with the involvement of the United Nations' Supervision Mission in Syria.

He urged all parties to the conflict to support and ensure the implementation of a peace plan presented by former UN secretary general Kofi Annan, the UN-Arab League special envoy to Syria.

"The Annan Plan offers hope and an opportunity for settlement of the conflict through diplomacy and dialogue that allows for the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people to be responded to," he said.

On Sunday, the UN Security Council unanimously condemned the Syrian government for the attack on the town, situated near Homs.

More than 108 people, including many women and children were reportedly killed in the attacks.

Several countries including the US and Germany have reportedly expelled Syrian diplomats in response to the announcement of the El-Houleh slaughter.

Source : Sapa