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Annan 'Gravely Concerned' Over Rising Violence In Syria

June 12, 2012

International envoy Kofi Annan says he is "gravely concerned" over rising violence in Syria and reports that civilians are trapped in cities besieged by government forces.

Annan has cited reports that Syrian government forces have used heavy weapons, including mortars, helicopters, and tanks, to attack opposition areas.

In Washington, the U.S. State Department expressed "deep alarm" over the situation and warned there were indications the Syrian government may be organizing a massacre in pro-opposition areas.

The pro-opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the deaths of nearly 80 civilians and more than 20 Syrian troops on June 11.

The tally could not be independently confirmed.

Both the government and rebel sides have ignored an internationally backed cease-fire deal that was supposed to go into effect in mid-April.

Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary William Hague has said Western nations still seek a peaceful solution to the Syrian conflict, and no plans for foreign military intervention -- like last year in Libya -- are being considered.

Speaking on June 12 in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, Hague compared Syria's crisis to the Balkans conflicts of the early '90s.

"So I don't think we should be thinking of it in terms of the Libya situation last year," Hague said.

"All our efforts are going into supporting a peaceful transition in Syria and peaceful solution, because any violent solution would clearly involve many more deaths and a great deal more hardship for the Syrian people."

Hague condemned Syria's government for using heavy weapons and militias against civilians.

Based on reporting by dpa, AP, Reuters, and AFP

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/annan-concern- syria-violence/24611393.html

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Annan 'Gravely Concerned' Over Rising Violence In Syria