Syria: Annan Says Crisis Reached ‘Critical Point’
The situation in Syria has reached a “critical point”, said the UN envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan Tuesday in Moscow, during talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. On his part, Putin assured that he will “do everything” to support his efforts. “The Syrian crisis has reached a critical point, I’m glad we have the opportunity to talk about it,” said Kofi Annan at the beginning of his meeting Tuesday at the Kremlin with Putin. “I can assure you that we will do everything to support your efforts,” said the Russian leader.
“From the very beginning, since the first measurements, we support and continue to support your efforts to restore peace” in Syria, said Vladimir Putin.
The meeting between the two men took place on the eve of the introduction by the West of a new draft resolution at the UN Security Council, threatening sanctions against the Syrian regime in Damascus.
Meanwhile, Syrian rebels fighting the regime troops in Damascus said Tuesday that the “battle for the liberation” of the capital had begun and that it would end after the conquest of the city. “The battle for the liberation of Damascus began and fighting will not stop in the capital. We are going to win,” said Colonel Kassem Saadeddine, spokesman for the Free Syrian Army (FSA).
“We transferred the battle from the provinces to the capital. We have a clear plan to control all Damascus,” he added. “Expect some surprises,” he warned without elaborating.
