Syria says cutting arms flow is vital for implementing Annan plan

Syria says the success of UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan’s peace plan depends on cutting the flow of weapons into the country for the armed opposition.

“The success of Mr. Kofi Annan’s plan depends greatly on seizing, de-arming and funding of the armed groups in Syria,” Syria’s Ambassador to the UN Bashar al-Ja’afari told the world body on Wednesday.

He also emphasized “the necessity of the presence of an International commitment and an honest political will towards implementing fully the six-point plan of Mr. Kofi Annan.”

Ja’afari reiterated the Syrian government full commitment to the six-point plan brokered by the former UN secretary general, but insisted that violence must stop first if the plan is to be implemented.

He also warned against efforts to derail Annan’s proposals for peace and criticized the United States and its European and Arab allies for seeking to impose sanctions on Damascus.

The ambassador pointed out that such measures will not help restore calm to Syria, which has been plagued by a deadly unrest since March 2011.

Ja’afari said Damascus has offered the Security Council and international organizations 141 documented letters confirming the presence of terrorists from Libya, Tunisia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and some other Arab countries in Syria.

He further called on the council to deal with this issue at the source and assume responsibility as part of its efforts to combat terrorism.

The Syrian government says outlaws, saboteurs, and armed terrorists are the driving factor behind the unrest and deadly violence.

Damascus also says that the chaos is being orchestrated from outside the country and the security forces have been given clear instructions not to harm civilians.