Syrian gov't says troop withdrawal started, but reports of violence continues

Source:CRI Published: 2012-4-6 9:36:04

The Syrian government now says some of its troops are now beginning pull-backs, in line with Kofi Annan's peace plan.

As CRI's Shen Chengcheng reports, Annan himself has told the UN General Assembly the situation in Syria remains fluid.

The UN-Arab League Special Envoy says the Syrian government has told him the troop withdrawal has already started in the cities of -- Idlib, Zabadani, and Deraa.

A complete pullout is expected by April 10th, which will be followed by a full, 48-hour ceasefire.

However, Kofi Annan says the violence on the ground has clearly not ended.

"Alarming levels of casualties and other abuses continue to be reported daily. Military operations in civilian population centres have not stopped. For its part, the government has written to me stating that armed groups continue to assault and attack government forces, civilians and property."

The UN Security Council continues to chime in on the situation, issuing another presidential statement calling on the government of Syria to live up to its commitments and complete the withdrawal by Tuesday.

Meantime, a UN planning team is now in Damascus to negotiate the possible deployment of UN monitors to Syria.

"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."

The UN is already asking member countries to contribute more than 2-hundred observers to monitor the ceasefire in Syria.

Meantime, the Red Cross says it's making some progress on the ground in Syria.

Red Cross chief Jakob Kellenberger says his organization has been given a broader presence in the country, which should include access to detention centers.



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