The head of the Arab League observers in Syria, Sudanese General Mohammed Ahmed al-Dabi, said on Monday that violence had dipped after the observers arrived, contradicting accounts by Syrian activists who have said the killing has continued unabated.
The mission has been in Syria since December 26, 2011 and is tasked with monitoring the implementation of an Arab League resolution that was devised to end the unrest in the country.
Mehmanparast said, “The report is based on technical factors and is relatively balanced in regard to the realities on the group in Syria, and it is hoped that the continuation of the activities of the mission in question will help (create) understanding and (promote) national unity in the country.”
“It seems that the Syrian people and government have the necessary will to implement reforms in light of the Arab League ministerial committee’s initiative, and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s remarks on January 10 about the reform plan which includes the drafting of a new constitution, the holding of a public referendum, the formation of an all-inclusive government, the formation of parties, and the holding of free elections according to a schedule prove it,” he explained.
Mehmanparast also said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes the necessity of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries and believes that the best way for Syria to get out of the current situation is the holding of internal dialogue between the country’s various political groupings.”
EP/PA
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MNA