TEHRAN: The UN-Arab League envoy has called for a cease-fire in Syria during the upcoming Eid Al-Adha, as the revolt against Bashar Assad’s government enters its 20th month with a death toll of more than 33,000.
Lakhdar Brahimi made his call yesterday as he shuttled between Syria's neighbors. He was in Iraq after holding talks in Iran.
He appealed for Iranian help to implement the cease-fire over Eid Al-Adha. He said such a cease-fire could "allow a political process to develop".
Brahimi is weighing seeking authorization for a peacekeeping force if a political deal can be struck, Ahmed Ramadan, an official of the Syrian National Council said.
Clashes between troops and fighters inside and outside the Umayyad Mosque in Aleppo have damaged the 13th century landmark.
The European Union is increasing pressure on Assad’s regime, prohibiting the provision of any financial services to Syrian arms exports and banning a major Syrian airline from EU airports.
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