Kerry calls on Assad backers to end Syria war
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 4 June 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Kerry calls on Assad backers to end Syria war, 4 June 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/53b28096b.html [accessed 22 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
June 04, 2014
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has called on key backers of President Bashar al-Assad to end the three-year war in Syria.
Speaking during an unannounced visit to Beirut on June 4, Kerry called on Iran, Russia, and the Shi'ite militant group Hizballah to "engage in a legitimate effort to bring this war to an end."
Kerry also announced new U.S. aid – $290 million for United Nations agencies working on the Syrian refugee issue throughout the region.
He dismissed the June 3 Syrian presidential election, which is widely expected to deliver a sweeping victory to Assad, as "a great big zero."
On Lebanon, Kerry said a political stalemate that has left the country without a president since last month was "deeply troubling," adding that parliamentarians should vote to fill the vacancy quickly.
Based on reporting by AFP and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
