UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Friday he was "deeply troubled" by the increasing number of protesters killed by Syrian security forces and reports of children under torture, dpa reported.
He noted that more than 1,000 people have been killed, including 70 in he past week alone, since March when pro-democracy demonstrations rupted against the government of President Bashir Assad. Ban said many more people have been injured and "thousands" have been arrested.
Ban cited "disturbing reports of the deaths of children under torture, live ammunition and shelling."
"All killings should be investigated fully, independently and transparently," Ban said.
"Violent repression by security and military forces must end immediately for a genuine and inclusive dialogue to take place and lead to the comprehensive reforms and change called for by the Syrian people."
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