Annan urges world powers to unite to resolve Syria crisis

GENEVA, June 30 (Xinhua) -- UN-Arab League joint envoy Kofi Annan on Saturday urged world and regional powers to unite in order to find a solution to the Syria crisis as ministers started a close-door meeting in Geneva.

Annan said in his opening remarks at the Action Group on Syria meeting that relevant countries have to make a clear choice between "either unite to secure your common interests; or divide, and surely fail each in your own individual way" as "an international crisis of grave severity now looms."

He warned of the extreme dangers posed by the conflict to Syrians, to the region and to the world.

"In a scenario of open competition between outside powers, the outcome of this crisis will be measured not by gains made but by who suffers least," he said, adding no one acting alone can succeed without the cooperation of all players.

"Without unity between you, any action by one will lead to the opposite reaction by another, thwarting the aims of either side. We have already seen this taking place, and it is the Syrian people that suffer horrendous consequences as long as this goes on," he said.

He said it is clear that Syria must have a democratic and pluralistic future that complies with international standards on human rights and protects the rights of all communities.

"This means there has to be a political process and this requires a government of transition, a government of national unity including women and men who are non-reproachable," the joint envoy said.

"This also requires a meaningful national dialogue, a constitutional revision process subject to popular approval and free and fair multiparty elections. Functioning institutions that safeguard this process are also essential," he said.

He reiterated the objectives of the meeting are to identify steps and measures to secure full implementation of the six-point plan and Security Council resolutions 2042 and 2043, to agree on guidelines and principles for a Syrian-led political transition and to agree on actions to turn these objectives into reality.

"We must make agreements today that lead to actions that must be taken forward, collectively and by each of you in the coming days, weeks and months," he said.