The Syrian government should refrain from violence and order a "transparent investigation" into the killing of peaceful demonstrators, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Wednesday, dpa reported.
"The secretary general strongly condemns the violence against peaceful demonstrators in the Syrian city of Deraa," Ban said about the incidents on Tuesday and Wednesday, in which several demonstrators were killed.
He said the attackers should be held accountable for the deaths. He called also for the respect of human rights and freedom of assembly.
Ban reminded the "Syrian government of its obligations to protect civilians and of its responsibility to address the legitimate aspirations of its people through a purposeful dialogue and reforms."