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September 12, 2012

U.N. Envoy to Meet Assad, Rebels in Syria 
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United Nations special envoy Lakhdar Brahimi is due to arrive in Syria
in the coming days for talks with both President Bashar al-Assad and
with the rebel opposition. Brahimi's visit comes amidst ongoing violence
that has pushed the death toll in the Syria conflict well past 20,000.
At the United Nations, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon renewed calls on
both sides to halt the fighting.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon: "First and foremost the violence
must stop, by both sides, regardless of what their political grievances
or problems may be. That is not acceptable. Those countries who may have
influence over two parties should exercise (that) and should be united
in their influence. Thirdly, they should immediately begin the political
dialogue to have a political resolution reflecting the genuine
aspirations of the Syrian people."

 

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