The South African government says a United Nations observer mission should urgently be deployed in Syria to verify and monitor a ceasefire.
Deputy Minister of International Relations, Ebrahim Ebrahim says it is imperative that all sides in the conflict guarantee the safety and freedom of movement of a UN mission when it is deployed.
He says South Africa, as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, is participating in discussions on a resolution authorising the deployment of the UN Advanced Monitoring team.
Ebrahim says government calls on everyone involved in the fighting to implement their commitments under the six point plan of the Arab League and UN's Joint Special Envoy, Kofi Annan.
He says the ultimate goal is to get all sides into peaceful dialogue.
