UN chief calls for early political solution to Syrian crisis

UNITED NATIONS, March 18 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday called on all parties in Syria and the international community to "seriously reflect" on the two-year Syrian crisis and to "inject urgency towards reaching a political solution."

The secretary-general made the appeal in a statement issued here by his spokesman, after the Syrian political crisis, which later turned into violence and armed clashes, entered its third year on March 15.

"Today, the world is watching the consequences with horror," the statement said.

"Indiscriminate air, missile, artillery and bomb attacks against civilian areas continue," the statement said. "Radical elements are taking hold. Well over 70,000 people have been killed. Serious abuses have also been committed, and those responsible must face justice."

"The country is facing a humanitarian crisis, with over 3 million people displaced from their homes, including 1 million seeking safety in neighboring countries," the statement said. "Cities and villages, including some world heritage sites, have been destroyed. This is the result of a choice to resort to arms over peaceful political dialogue and genuine change."

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