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The South African Government says its deeply concerned about the continuing violence and rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in Syria.
South Africa says what is even more worrying is the dangerous rhetoric, from Western powers, pointing to the possibility of a military intervention.
The government says South Africa does not believe that bombing the already suffering people and crumbling infrastructure of Syria, will contribute to a sustainable solution.
It says only the United Nations Security Council can mandate the use of military force in conflict situations only if other measures are deemed insufficient in bringing about a solution.
President Jacob Zuma is expected to make a formal statement on the Syrian issue on Thursday.
