12 April 2012
Syrian Families in New Zealand devastated at the absolute failure of Annan's initiative
Syrian Solidarity New Zealand (SSNZ) expresses its devastation at the failure of Kofi Annan’s six point plan for peace
in Syria. It remains deeply concerned about the safety of the Syrian people as the bloody violence continues.
As the deadline for the ceasefire ticks over, news agencies have reported heavy mortar raining down on neighbourhoods in
Homs and tanks rolling into the city of Hama.
The co sponsored UN and Arab League peace plan, lead by special peace envoy Kofi Annan, was held up by the international
community as a solution to the crisis. While the Syrian community in New Zealand held fast to their hope for an end to
the killing, the regimes history of brutality and excessive use of force left them with little doubt of its inevitable
failure.
“This collapse of the six point peace plan has shown, beyond doubt, the Assad regime’s complete and utter disregard for
the rights of its people and the international community including its own allies (i.e. Russia & China)” says Syrian Solidarity New Zealand (SSNZ) spokesperson Ali Akil.
Syrian Solidarity New Zealand calls for the immediate action by the international community to halt the ongoing
brutality of the Government.
SSNZ remains deeply disappointed in the division of the international community and the resulting lack of action to
protect the lives of the Syrian people, the men, the women and the children, from the brutality of Assad’s Army. This
lack of action may mean that many may seek to take extreme and desperate measures to ensure their protection.
Historically, there have been key moments of opportunity where the international community has failed to act and that
failure has lead to some of the most serious human rights atrocities in history.
To avoid another tragedy, the international community must act now to put into action their calls to end the bloodshed
and protect the Syrian people.
NZ Syrian’s and their families stand in solidarity with those of their people who are risking their lives for justice,
dignity and freedom.
ENDS