Business Standard

UN chief voices concern at Israeli air strikes on Syria

Image

IANS United Nations

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced "grave concern" at reported Israeli air strikes on Syria, and called on all sides to "exercise maximum calm and restraint".

"The secretary-general expresses grave concern over reports of air strikes in Syria by the Israeli Air Force," Xinhua quoted a statement issued by Ban's spokesman as saying.

"At this time, the United Nations does not have details of the reported incidents," the statement said.

"Nor is the United Nations in a position to independently verify what has occurred," it added.

Media reports said Syria has deployed missile defence batteries towards Israel in response to the Israeli attack that targeted a Syrian army facility in the capital city of Damascus Sunday.

 

Syria's state media accused Israel of trying to give a boost to the Syrian rebels. The Israeli government has so far made no official comment on the reported attack.

The UN statement added: "The secretary-general calls on all sides to exercise maximum calm and restraint, and to act with a sense of responsibility to prevent an escalation of what is already a devastating and highly dangerous conflict."

"The secretary-general urges respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in the region, and adherence to all relevant Security Council resolutions," it said.

Don't miss the most important news and views of the day. Get them on our Telegram channel

First Published: May 06 2013 | 7:23 AM IST

Explore News