Annan in Syria, urges action for peaceful solution

GENEVA - The UN-Arab League Joint Special Envoy for Syria (JSE) Kofi Annan on Monday arrived in the Syrian capital Damascus, urging both sides of the conflict to take action and create the right context for a credible political process.

UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan delivers a statement upon his arrival at Damascus May 28, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

Annan's visit comes only days after the deadly fighting in Houla near the central city of Homs that killed at least 90 civilians and left many more wounded.

In a message delivered through his spokesman in Geneva, Annan said he was "shocked and horrified" by the tragic incident.

"This was an appalling crime," he said, adding "those responsible for these brutal crimes must be held accountable."

The JSE urges the Syrian government to "take bold steps to signal that it is serious in its intention" to resolve the crisis peacefully and calls for everyone involved to help create the right context for a credible political process.

"This message of peace is not only for the Government, but for everyone with a gun," Annan said.

During his stay in Syria, Annan is scheduled to hold talks with Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, with whom the JSE said he intended to have "serious and frank" discussions.

Annan will also meet senior government officials, as well as representatives of the opposition and civil society, and review the work of UN Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS) with Major-General Robert Mood and his team.