The UN secretary-general Ban-Ki Moon confirmed that Syrian tanks attacked a convoy carrying the head of the UN observer mission. Although there were no injuries, a dozen armoured vehicles used as part of the observer mission have been destroyed by blasts and shelling.
Speaking to reporters, Ban Ki-Moon said,
“It’s important, again, that the Syrian government must fully cooperate with the UN mission and must cease these violent measures. We are deeply concerned that they are using all kinds of heavy equipment, including military airplanes, attack helicopters and heavy weaponry,”
Ban Ki Moon also took the chance to comment on the Syria regime’s recent acknowledgement of possessing chemical weapons. Echoing the US' stance on the issue, he said,
“The use of these arms is prohibited under international law. Any use of such weapons would be an outrageous crime and a major concern for the entire international community,”
The UN observer mission’s 30-day mandate is set to expire in August. Much of the mission's work has been affected by intense violence.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is producing an Arab backed draft General Assembly resolution to support political dialogue and transition, emphasising the need for Syria’s chemical weapons to be held secure.
