Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced grave concern over the escalating violence in Syria, including today’s explosions in the capital, Damascus, which resulted in more deaths and injuries, and reiterated his call for an immediate end to the bloodshed.

“The Secretary-General urges the need for a credible, inclusive and legitimate Syrian-led process of comprehensive political change that will address the democratic aspirations of the Syrian people,” said a statement issued by his spokesperson.

Mr. Ban said the Syrian Government “should fully and speedily implement the peace plan put forward by the League of Arab States.”

He welcomed the arrival of the advance team of the Arab League, saying he looked forward to the deployment of the full-scale observer mission, which he stressed must be given unhindered access.

The Security Council in a press statement strongly condemned the “terrorist attacks” and sent its condolences to the families of the victims and Syrian people.

Members of the Council stressed that “terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.”

The Council reminded States that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.

Media reports indicated that at least 40 people died and scores were injured in two car bomb blasts in Damascus.

Syria has since March been in a maelstrom of an uprising which is part of a broader popular protest movement that has engulfed North Africa and the Middle East this year and led to the toppling of long-term regimes in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia and Yemen.

More than 5,000 people have been killed in Syria since the beginning of the unrest, according to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Source: United Nations