The joint United Nations-Arab League envoy called on the Syrian regime and rebels to carry out a ceasefire during the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday.
Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi’s office said that Syria needs “real change” and stressed that the primary goal “is the welfare and well-being of the Syrian people and to help them build a future that meets their own legitimate aspirations.”
He stopped short of saying that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad should step down from power following more than 19 months of violence that has left as many as 30,000 people dead, according to some estimates. The U.N. estimates that 20,000 have been killed.
The Eid al-Adha holiday is an important one for Muslims, taking place after the Hajj pilgrimage, where millions of adherents flock to the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca each year.
Brahimi said that a ceasefire during the holiday would foster “an environment that would allow a political process to develop,” reported Reuters. The longtime Algerian diplomat made the announcement after meeting with Iranian officials in Tehran, the country’s capital. Iran has been the most stalwart ally of Syria during the conflicts.
The Epoch Times publishes in 35 countries and in 19 languages. Subscribe to our e-newsletter.
