Security Council backs Annan’s Syria peace plan

Security Council backs Annan’s Syria peace plan

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The previously divided U.N. Security Council sent a strong and united message to the Syrian government and opposition today to immediately implement proposals by international envoy Kofi Annan to end the yearlong bloodshed. A nonbinding statement approved by the 15 council members and read at a formal meeting spells out Annan’s proposals which include a cease-fire first by the Syrian government, a daily two-hour halt to fighting to evacuate the injured and provide humanitarian aid, and inclusive Syrian-led political talks “to address the legitimate concerns of the Syrian people.”