United Nations: Warning that further militarisation of the Syrian crisis can lead to "catastrophic" consequences in the region, India on Monday asked all parties in the troubled nation to resolve issues without any further bloodshed.
"The crisis in Syria continues unabated and is a matter of serious concern for us. Any further militarisation of the crisis can have catastrophic consequences for the region," External Affairs Minister SM Krishna said in his address to the 67th session of the UN General Assembly here.
He urged all parties in Syria to commit themselves to resolving the crisis without any further bloodshed through an inclusive Syrian-led political process that can meet the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.
He voiced India`s support for the efforts of the United Nations and called on all sides to cooperate with Joint Special Representative Lakhdar Brahimi in his efforts to bring about peace in the country that has seen violent bloodshed in the past 18 months of uprising against President Bashar Al Assad`s regime.
Overall, the death toll so far from the conflict has risen to more than 27,000, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The United Nations puts the toll at over 20,000 and estimates that thousands have fled the country.
Krishna further said support for the Palestinian cause has been a "cornerstone" of India`s foreign policy.
He said India, which had hosted Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas earlier this month, supports Palestine`s aspirations for enhanced status at the United Nations.
"It is imperative that there be an early realisation of a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital living within secure and recognised borders, side by side and at peace with Israel, as endorsed in the Arab Peace initiative, Quartet Road map and relevant UN resolutions," he said.
PTI
