UN observers leave Syria as mandate expires

Source: The Guardian

United Nations observers have begun to leave Damascus as their mission in Syria comes to an end.

The last 100 out of 300 observers have been departing throughout Saturday –their mandate expires after midnight on Sunday –as their commander spoke of his frustration at being unable to minimise the violence.

General Babacar Gaye said both rebels and government forces were failing to carry out their duty to protect civilians. "Initially the ceasefire was respected, violence decreased and we were able to do our work throughout the country," he said.

"By the middle of June it was clear that the parties were no longer committed to the ceasefire and the result has been an escalation in violence."

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/aug/18/un-observers-leave-syria