UN SC condemns rights abuses and use of force against civilians in Syria.

UNITED NATIONS, August 4 (Itar-Tass) -- The U.N. Security Council on
Wednesday, August 3, condemned the widespread violation of human rights in
Syria and the use of force against civilians by the country's security
forces.
The Security Council called for an end to the violence and urged all
sides to act with restraint and refrain from reprisals, including attacks
against State institutions.
It voiced its profound regret at the deaths of hundreds of the people
during mass protests in Syria and urged the authorities in Damascus to
fully respect human rights and comply with their obligations under
international law.
"Those responsible for the violence should be held accountable," the
Council said in a presidential statement read by Ambassador Hardeep Singh
Puri of India, which holds the Council's rotating presidency this month.
The Security Council called on Syrian authorities to follow through on
commitments they had made to reform, stressing that the only solution to
the crisis was through an inclusive and Syrian-led political process that
addressed the legitimate concerns of the population and allowed the
exercise of the freedoms of expression and assembly.
The 15-member U.N. Security Council also reaffirmed its strong
commitment to the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of
Syria.
It stressed, "The only solution to the current crisis in Syria is
through an inclusive and Syrian-led political process, with the aim of
effectively addressing the legitimate aspirations of and concerns of the
population which will allow the full exercise of fundamental freedoms for
its entire population, including that of expression and peaceful assembly."
The Security Council called upon the Syrian authorities to respond to
the humanitarian needs of people in areas affected by the unrest by
ceasing the use of force to allow quick and unhindered access by relief
workers.