NEW DELHI, Apr 23: Supporting the United Nations Security Council Resolution authorising the establishment of a UN observer mission to Syria, India has called upon all parties to avoid violence in the interest of an impartial supervision and monitoring of the ceasefire.
The Resolution adopted yesterday says that the Mission would work for an initial period of 90 days, to monitor the cessation of violence there, as well as monitor and support the full implementation of a peace plan.
In his explanation of vote, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Hardeep Singh Puri described the resolution, introduced by Russia, as a significant step in the Council’s collective support for the efforts of the Joint Special Envoy, Kofi Annan.
He noted with satisfaction that Mr Annan’s efforts over the last seven weeks had resulted in an improvement in the situation in Syria.
“Even though there have been reports of violations, the ceasefire that came into force on April 12 has been observed by all parties in a large part of Syria. Obviously, there is a need to sustain the gains made so far,” he said.
Mr Puri said India had voted in favour of the resolution 2043 with the expectation that United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS) would implement its mandate impartially, objectively and fairly and help the Syrian parties to build on the ceasefire and commence an inclusive Syrian-led political process that will meet the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.
“For the success of the Annan plan, it is necessary that all parties implement their respective commitments under the six-point plan. We have noted that the Preliminary Understanding signed by the Syrian Government and the United Nations on April 19 set out clear conditions that have to be met by the Syrian government and the armed opposition groups. We hope that all parties, including the opposition, will abide by those conditions,” he said.
He called upon all countries interested in securing peace and stability in Syria to extend their full support for Mr Annan and UNSMIS, and also refrain from any action that may cause further bloodshed.
“This will help in the expeditious resolution of the Syrian crisis as well as in ensuring that the crisis does not spill over Syria’s borders,” said Mr Puri. (UNI)
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