Chief of UN Observers optimistic about dialogue prospects in Syria

Damascus, May 28 (Xinhua-ANI): Head of the UN observers in Syria said Monday he sees a positive sign in the prospect of political dialogue, stressing that his mission is pushing very hard for dialogue and stability.

Maj-Gen Robert Mood told reporters Monday that "We are pushing very hard for activities in villages for dialogue and stability."

He said "I am seeing positive signs in the situation related to that dialogue," adding that his team "will work very hard to bring stability and constructive dialogue" back to Syria.

Mood said he looks forward to UN-Arab League joint envoy Kofi Annan's visit and will discuss with him on "whatever we can do to bring this forward in the positive direction."

Annan is due to set foot in the capital Damascus Monday to assess the implementation of his six-point peace plan, which was hardly pushed to the verge of collapse after a bloody massacre that killed more than 100 people in central Syria overnight Friday.

The visit timing was announced by Syria's Foreign Ministry spokesman Jihad Makdissi Sunday during a press conference held to announce Syria's denial to any involvement of the government troops in the bloodbath.

The UN said at least 108 people, including 49 children and 34 women were killed in the massacre, in the central area of Houla, a group of villages some 25 kilometers northwest of the central city of Homs.

The UN Security Council on Sunday condemned "in the strongest possible terms" the killings of more than 100 people in Syria, saying that those responsible for the massacre should be held accountable.

The violence in Syria continued unabatedly despite the deployment of more than 250 UN observers, who arrived in Syria last month to shore up a cease-fire truce, part of Annan's plan that has not taken hold despite pledges from the government and the opposition to curb the violence. Both sides blame each other for the prolonged violence.

The six-point plan calls for the withdrawal of heavy weapons and troops from population centers, a daily halt in fighting for the delivery of humanitarian aid and treatment for the wounded, as well as talks between the government and opposition. (Xinhua-ANI)