syria-un-20120711 3

1 You will recall that, on 12 April, a nationwide cessation of armed violence was declared. The fighting stopped, showing that the parties are capable of halting the violence. But this lull did not hold. 1 In my meeting with President Assad, we spoke candidly about the need to establish a clear mechanism for the cessation of violence in a renewed comprehensive effort to implement the six-point plan. We discussed the idea of stopping military operations and urgently calming the situation in key parts of the country that are experiencing significant violence. This could include simultaneous actions in several locations, where violence has been ongoing and where civilian needs are particularly urgent. 1 For this to work, the Government has to be prepared to go further than before. President Assad indicated that he would be ready to take the first step to cease violence in the context of an agreed set of actions by the parties. This principle should be applied in all locations as part of de-escalation efforts. 1 It is also essential that the Government is ready to be realistic about the weapons of the local armed opposition. Until now, it had insisted that armed elements must surrender their weapons in return for amnesty. This is not acceptable and would stifle efforts to cease violence. President Assad agreed to consider the idea that the armed opposition would not have to surrender its weapons as an initial step towards political dialogue. 1 These efforts must be complemented by action in all circumstances to allow immediate and full humanitarian access to all areas affected by the fighting. They must also be matched by a readiness to take specific actions by the Government to build confidence – including most urgently meaningful release of detainees, and broader action on full implementation of the six-point plan. 1 I made clear to the President that on the basis of this discussion we should urgently finalize comprehensive implementation arrangements for securing a cessation of armed violence in accordance with the six point plan – plans which are only as valuable as the first steps taken to implement them and positively impact people caught in the violence. I wish to stress once again that the six-point plan is a package intended to create a conducive environment for dialogue and must be implemented in full. 1 In this regard, I specifically stressed with President Assad his Government’s unacceptable use of heavy weapons, and he indicated he would stop. Let me stress: the Government should be the first to stop, and should not insist on the opposition handing over its weapons. Nothing is more urgent, given the appalling scale of civilian casualties the use of heavy weapons is exacting, in clear violation of the Government’s responsibilities under international law. 1 President Assad asked that UNSMIS provide support to the initiation of local ceasefires and dialogue. UNSMIS can facilitate dialogue and specific steps to end violence between the Parties, including through outreach with the armed opposition. For UNSMIS to play this role, however, all parties must commit to cooperate with the Observers, including free and safe access, as the Action Group stressed. And let me be clear: it is the parties which remain responsible for holding to their commitments