The UN Security council has condemned authorities in Syria for continuing violence against demonstrators and "violation of human rights".
In a statement, they called for an end to violence: “The Security Council expresses its grave concern at the deteriorating situation in Syria and expresses profound regret at the deaths of many hundreds of people.
“The Security Council condemns the widespread violations of human rights, and the use of force against civilians by the Syrian authorities. The Security Council calls for an immediate end to all violence, and urges all sides to act with utmost restraint and to refrain from reprisals, including attacks against state institutions.”
The statement came as Syrian city Hama, where 120 activists were killed this week, was reported to be under siege.
Commenting on the situation in Syria William Hague welcomed the statement and called for an end to violence in the country.
“I welcome the UN Security Council Presidential Statement on Syria. The support for this statement throughout the Security Council demonstrates the rising international concern at the unacceptable behaviour of the regime and shows that President Assad is increasingly isolated. It comes on top of a fourth round of EU sanctions put in place earlier this week.
"As I have made clear, it is vital that the violence and repression by the Syrian regime stops. The Syrian people are calling for peaceful change. I call on President Assad’s regime to end its violence and to allow genuine political reform. Until it does, the regime will be discredited amongst its own people and facing increased pressure internationally.”
Read the UNSCR's statement below:
“The Security Council expresses its grave concern at the deteriorating situation in Syria and expresses profound regret at the deaths of many hundreds of people.
“The Security Council condemns the widespread violations of human rights, and the use of force against civilians by the Syrian authorities. The Security Council calls for an immediate end to all violence, and urges all sides to act with utmost restraint and to refrain from reprisals, including attacks against state institutions.
“The Security Council calls on the Syrian authorities to fully respect human rights and to comply with their obligations under applicable international law – those responsible for the violence should be held accountable.
“The Security Council notes the announced commitments by the Syrian authorities to reform and regrets the lack of progress in implementation and calls upon the Syrian government to implement its commitments.
“The Security Council reaffirms the strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Syria. It stresses that the only solution to the current crisis in Syria is through an inclusive and Syrian-led process with the aim of effectively addressing the legitimate aspirations and concerns of the population which will allow the full exercise of fundamental freedoms for its entire population, including that of expression and peaceful assembly.
“The Security Council calls on the Syrian authorities to alleviate the humanitarian situation in crisis areas by ceasing the use of force against affected towns, to allow expeditious and unhindered access for international humanitarian agencies and workers, and cooperate fully with the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
“The Security Council requests the Secretary General to update the Security Council on the situation in Syria within seven days.”