Brahimi says Syria crisis worsening
Syria's city of Homs under attack from government forces - according to amateur video uploaded to the Internet.
Scenes like this have prompted a stark warning from international mediator Lakhdar Brahimi that the Syrian crisis is worsening.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) UN ARAB LEAGUE ENVOY LAKHDAR BRAHIMI, SAYING:
"This is an extremely dangerous situation and it is getting worse. It is posing a threat to the Syrian people and the region and even to the whole world."
The veteran Algerian diplomat added in English however that he was still hopeful for change, despite the difficulties involved.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) UN ARAB LEAGUE ENVOY LAKHDAR BRAHIMI , SAYING:
"This kind of mission needs to be undertaken. I am not undertaking it because I am looking for a quick success of myself. I have undertaken it because I am very hopeful that I will be able to help - however little - the people of Syria."
Brahimi was speaking in Damascus following his first meeting with President Bashar al-Assad since he replaced Kofi Annan as peace enyoy earlier this month.
The new mediator said Assad and his officials had pledged to support his work, and said he would return after talks with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
Activists say more than 27,000 people have been killed in the 18-month conflict between Assad's forces and rebels.
Scenes like this have prompted a stark warning from international mediator Lakhdar Brahimi that the Syrian crisis is worsening.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) UN ARAB LEAGUE ENVOY LAKHDAR BRAHIMI, SAYING:
"This is an extremely dangerous situation and it is getting worse. It is posing a threat to the Syrian people and the region and even to the whole world."
The veteran Algerian diplomat added in English however that he was still hopeful for change, despite the difficulties involved.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) UN ARAB LEAGUE ENVOY LAKHDAR BRAHIMI , SAYING:
"This kind of mission needs to be undertaken. I am not undertaking it because I am looking for a quick success of myself. I have undertaken it because I am very hopeful that I will be able to help - however little - the people of Syria."
Brahimi was speaking in Damascus following his first meeting with President Bashar al-Assad since he replaced Kofi Annan as peace enyoy earlier this month.
The new mediator said Assad and his officials had pledged to support his work, and said he would return after talks with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
Activists say more than 27,000 people have been killed in the 18-month conflict between Assad's forces and rebels.
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