WEB DESK
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged the Security Council to refer the Syrian crisis to the International Criminal Court. He pointed towards serious violations including blocking aid deliveries and medical care to millions in need in the war-torn country.
In a report to the Council circulated on the humanitarian situation in Syria, Mr Guterres said, accountability for serious violations is a requirement under international law and central to achieving sustainable peace. He also called on parties to the conflict, all countries and civil society to cooperate with an independent panel established by the General Assembly to assist the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for war crimes or crimes against humanity in Syria.
Meanwhile, Syria’s opposition has said, it will boycott a peace Congress in Sochi next week that Russia had invited it to. The decision came after both the Opposition and the regime held a second day of talks with UN special envoy Staffan de Mistura.