Ban strongly condemns shelling of Russian embassy in Syria

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon late Friday "strongly condemns" yesterday's shelling of the Russian embassy in Damascus, Syria, which killed one and wounded nine people, including embassy personnel, his press office said in a statement. "As the violence in Syria causes growing levels of suffering and destruction, the Secretary-General reiterates his appeal to all Syrian, regional and international actors to show vision and leadership and act in concert towards a political solution of the conflict," the statement added. Ban extended his deep condolences to the family of the victim and to the Russian Government, and his sympathies to those injured in the attack, wishing them a swift recovery. He also underlined the importance of holding the perpetrators accountable.