Hope soars as UN peace plan unlocks Syria deadlock

In a major turnaround on Tuesday, President Bashar-Al-Assad of Syria has given his acquiescence to the six-point peace plan proposed by Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary-General. By agreeing to the peace proposal, President Assad is now formally bounded to end the deadly violence that has been continuing since the early days of Syria uprising. However, diplomatic circles conceded that they are doubtful about the level of commitment and sincerity Al Assad would show towards the peace plan.

In a statement issued in Geneva, it has been confirmed that the Syrian ministry has expressed their desire to accept the UN peace proposal in a letter addressed to the UN-Arab League Joint Special Envoy, Kofi Annan. The acting peace Envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, is stated to have welcomed the development as an “important initial step.” He is also hopeful that it should end the relentless violence and bloodshed and create an atmosphere for political dialogue to begin in Syria and fulfill the rightful aspirations of all Syrians. Annan has, however, cautioned that the road to peace in Syria depends on the successful implementation of the UN peace proposal.

Political opponents as well as anti-government activists in Syria are rather skeptical and feel that it is the latest ploy by the Syrian government to buy some more time to stay in power. Some pointed out that Kofi Annan’s peace plan is incomplete and does not address key issues. Such as, call for Assad to step down nor does it charge the current regime with International Criminal Court proceedings.

Annan’s peace mission in Syria finds Russian support

The UN-Arab League special ambassador Kofi Annan had a high level meeting with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Sunday about Syria. Annan is currently on an official tour to Russia and China to ramp up support for restoration of peace in Syria. While extending his full support, the Russian President acknowledged that Kofi Annan could be President Bashar-Al-Assad’s last chance to avoid a violent civil war and restore peace in the country. Kofi Annan would round off the tour with China.

To end the relentless fighting since the beginning of Syria uprising last year, Annan is trying to build consensus for immediate cease fire and unfettered entry for humanitarian aid in Syria. While President Barak Obama of the United States and Turkish PM are chewing over sending medical and communications equipments, termed as non-lethal aid, to anti-government activists in Syria, it is not yet determined the nature of Moscow’s participation in Annan’s peace mission.

Despite the latest diplomatic efforts, cities of Homs and Idlib are continued to be bombarded by Syrian forces, as claimed by Syrian opposition. Unconfirmed sources have claimed 30 deaths from all across Syria on Sunday, particularly from Homs and Idlib. While some towns like Hirak and Daraa are facing acute food shortage, others are believed to be pounded by military aircraft.

The first family of Syria faces fresh EU sanctions

In a bid to end the relentless violence in Syria, The European Union (EU) has slapped a fresh sanction on the close family members of President Bashar-Al-Assad on Friday. The ban list which already includes the President and senior officials has now his British wife, Asma Assad, and 11 other family members on it. The latest EU sanction not only forbids them to travel to any EU nations, but has also frozen their assets throughout the 27 nation block. However, this does not restrict the London-born Asma Assad, an ex-banker and a style icon, from visiting her native country, i.e. Britain.

To break the unending crackdown on people in Syria and tighten fund availability before the regime, EU has slapped Syrian currency ban last year November. Right now, as many as 150 Syrian companies and individuals are facing EU-imposed asset freeze and visa ban. Besides European Union, countries like the United States, the Arab League, Japan and such others have already sanctioned against Syria.

In spite of ongoing efforts globally to address the Syria unrest, violence is going on uninterrupted in Syria. Not less than 54 Syrians are believed to be dead on Friday. It is being claimed that heavy security forces deployed in Damascus are firing live ammunition and tear gas on people.

As many as 9000 refugees have received blankets, mattresses and food from the International Red Cross. The UN-Arab League special ambassador, Kofi Annan, is scheduled for an official visit to Beijing and Moscow this weekend to discuss on Syria crisis.