Damascus, June 16 (Xinhua-RHC) -- The head of the UN Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS), General Robert Mood, said that due to the escalation of violence in Syria, his mission is suspending its activities, adding that UN observers will not be conducting patrols and will stay in their locations until further notice.

In a statement Saturday, Mood said there has been an intensification of armed violence across Syria over the past 10 days; adding that this escalation is “limiting our ability to observe, verify, report as well as assist in local dialogue and stability projects - basically impeding our ability to carry out our mandate.”

The Norwegian leader said the lack of willingness by the parties to seek peaceful transition, and the push towards advancing military positions is increasing losses on both sides; innocent civilians are being killed every day and it is also posing significant risks to the observers.

In this high risk situation, Mood said, the UN Mission is suspending its activities, adding that “this suspension will be reviewed on a daily basis,” and that operations will resume when they see the situation fit for them to carry out mandated activities.

And Mood concluded by saying: “Let me be very clear, the UN Supervision Mission in Syria is committed to the people of Syria,” and stressed that they stand ready to work with all parties to assist in bringing an end to the violence and promoting political dialogue.

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