Annan Sees Likelihood of ‘Imminent Battle’ in Syria’s Aleppo

United Nations special envoy Kofi Annan said he is concerned about reports of growing numbers of Syrian troops and heavy weapons around Aleppo in anticipation of an imminent battle in the country’s largest city.

“I remind the parties to the conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law, and urge them to exercise restraint and avoid any further bloodshed,” Annan said in an e-mailed statement from Geneva today.

“The escalation of the military build-up in Aleppo and the surrounding area is further evidence of the need for the international community to come together to persuade the parties that only a political transition, leading to a political settlement will resolve this crisis and bring peace to the Syrian people,” he said.

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