United Nations, March 11 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is alarmed by the violent escalation in the coastal areas of Syria, that has seen widespread summary killings, including a UN staffer, a UN spokesman said on Monday.
The UN chief expresses his condolences to Syrians mourning the loss of loved ones and wishes a speedy recovery for the injured, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Guterres, at a daily briefing.
"The secretary-general calls on all parties to protect civilians and stop inflammatory rhetoric and actions," as Syria contends with the legacy of 14 years of conflict, Dujarric said. "He reiterates his concern over escalating tensions among communities in Syria."
The spokesman said Guterres seeks the cessation of...