19-04-2024 11:38 AM Jerusalem Timing

Ban: Annan to Return to Syria “Very Soon”

Ban: Annan to Return to Syria “Very Soon”

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said on Wednesday that UN-Arab League special envoy was set to return to the Damascus “very soon”.

kofi annanUnited Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said on Wednesday that UN-Arab League special envoy was set to return to the Damascus “very soon”.


"Mr Annan briefed the Security Council on Friday, and I expect him to return to Damascus very soon," Ban told a defense conference in Jakarta.


Ban announcement came a day after Western powers agreed to change a proposed UN Security Council statement on Syria after Russia refused to back any ultimatum to President Bashar al-Assad.


The proposed statement aims to reinforce international backing for Annan's efforts to end the crisis in Syria.ban ki-moon


Ban earlier set immediate priorities in order to find a solution for the crisis, as he said that the situation in Syria was “unacceptable”, urging the international community to “act immediately”.


"Our priorities are three: first an immediate end to the violence -- all violence -- and engage in inclusive political dialogue to shape the future of Syria as civilian people want to create, and thirdly we have to provide immediately and urgently humanitarian actions," he said.

Annan and Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi also called for a “united international stand” on the crisis.