Syria needs “small, nimble” UN mission – Kofi Annan

The violence in Syria cannot be addressed through the means of a traditional observer mission deployed between two armies, according to the joint special envoy of the United Nations-Arab League.

Kofi Annan told the General Assembly that a United Nations team arrived in Syria on Thursday to start technical preparations for the potential deployment of observers to monitor a cessation of armed violence and the full implementation of his plan.

Mr. Annan, who briefed the UN on his ongoing diplomatic efforts to ensure implementation of his six-point plan to resolve the crisis in the country, said the situation in Syria is fluid, there is no established frontline and peace will not be consolidated without a credible political process.

“What we would need on the ground is a small, nimble United Nations presence. It would need to be deployed quickly with a broad and flexible mandate. Its freedom of movement throughout the country and security must be assured. It should engage all relevant parties. It should constantly and rapidly observe, establish and assess facts and conditions on the ground in an objective manner.”

Source: UN Radio