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U.N. resolution calls for stopping attacks on Syrian civilians

By Doug G. Ware
The U.N. General Assembly on Friday passed a resolution calling for the immediate cessation of civilian attacks in Syria, especially Aleppo, as armed forces and Islamic State militants continue to fight for territory. File Photo by Rick Bajorna/United Nations
The U.N. General Assembly on Friday passed a resolution calling for the immediate cessation of civilian attacks in Syria, especially Aleppo, as armed forces and Islamic State militants continue to fight for territory. File Photo by Rick Bajorna/United Nations

NEW YORK, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- In a new resolution Friday, the United Nations General Assembly expressed outrage at ongoing violence in Syria and demanded an end to attacks that are killing civilians there -- particularly the war-scarred city of Aleppo.

In a resolution adopted by a vote of 122-13, the Assembly also expressed worry that the continued deterioration of the situation in Syria demands "rapid" and unconditional humanitarian access throughout the country. Thirty-six members did not vote.

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Combatants have been fighting for control of the northern city of Aleppo for months, which has been a militant stronghold for the Islamic State. Over weeks of fighting, many civilians have been wounded or killed -- a situation the General Assembly no longer wishes to tolerate.

The resolution demands "an immediate and complete end to all attacks on civilians as well as an end to all sieges in war-ravaged country," and urges parties to the conflict to "take all appropriate steps to protect civilians and persons hors de combat, including members of ethnic, religious and confessional communities."

RELATED U.N. reports thousands trapped in Aleppo, hundreds missing

Friday's resolution, led by Canadian diplomats, came days after the Assembly failed to adopt a measure to implement a cease-fire in Aleppo.

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The United Nations estimates that nearly 150,000 Syrian civilians either live in opposition-controlled areas of Aleppo or have fled to areas under government control.

"Terrorism in all its forms constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security and that any acts of terrorism are unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed," the resolution states.

Two official cease-fires this year have done little to stem the violence in Aleppo, as negotiators continue to try and find a peaceful solution.

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