The escalation of attacks \u201cof any nature and origin\u201d (according to Syrian state TV, 40 people have been killed today, and 170 injured) is making the situation in Syria \u201cextremely tense\u201d. These were the words of Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi, expressing Italy\u2019s firm condemnation of the attacks and making an appeal to stop the violence. Terzi added that \u201cin some clashes the responsibility lies primarily with operations conducted in all parts of Syria\u2019s towns by the armed forces and army, sometimes with the use of artillery\u201d. <\/P>
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The Minister has asked the Syrian regime to guarantee the safety of the UN Observers. \u201cYesterday\u2019s attack\u201d, he said, \u201cwas a serious event because the security and safety of the Observers is a precise responsibility of the Syrian government\u201d. What is needed, therefore, is \u201cthe stabilisation and review of security conditions inside Syria\u201d. <\/P>
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Appeal by the head of the UN Observers<\/STRONG><\/P> The head of the United Nations Observers in Syria, General Robert Mood, has launched an appeal to halt the violence in the country. Mood told journalists that the international community is on the side of the Syrian people. He called on all concerned to bring an end to the violence. General Mood expressed his sincere condolences for all those who had lost their loved ones, and for all those Syrians who live with such tragedies every day. <\/P> The UN and Arab League Envoy for Syria, Kofi Annan, also condemned today\u2019s attack in the Syrian capital. \u201cThese abhorrent acts are unacceptable and the violence in Syria must stop\u201d, said Annan. \u201cAny action that serves to escalate tensions and raise the level of violence can only be counter-productive to the interests of all parties\u201d.<\/P> UN Mission: Italian Government approves decree<\/STRONG><\/P>
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