Continued warfare could 'melt down' Syria, Vatican envoy tells UN

May 29, 2013

The Vatican’s representative at UN headquarters in Geneva has warned that the continuing war in Syria endangers the future of that country. Archbishop Silvano Tomasi told a meeting of the UN Human Rights Council that Syria has become “the terrain of the violation of all human rights.” With casualties mounting into the tens of thousands, and an estimated 4 million people forced to flee their homes, the conflict threatens to “melt down the entire country,” he said.

“Silencing the guns is the priority,” Archbishop Tomasi said. He argued that continued warfare cannot resolve the nation’s problems, and urged international leaders to support efforts to bring about a negotiated peace.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Holy See’s UN Observer warns against a military intensification of Syria’s conflict (Vatican Radio)