Syria peace plan on brink of failure

By all indications, the UN peace plan to end the violence in Syria is failing. Former Secretary General, Kofi Annan has announced in a letter to the Security Council that that the regime of Bashar Al Assad was not keeping the terms of the six-point plan. 

NEW YORK, NY (Catholic Online) - Annan made what may be a last-ditch effort to salvage the plan. His letter stated, "It is essential that the next 48 hours bring visible signs of immediate and indisputable change in the military posture of the government forces throughout the country, as called upon by the six-point plan."

Annan also said that Syria was adding requirements to the plan, specifically they want a guarantee the rebels will lay down their weapons and disband. This requirement is not part of the original agreement. 

On Tuesday, Syrian forces continued to shell civilian areas and were reportedly using aircraft to also strike those areas with bombs and rockets. 

William Hague, the British Foreign Secretary said that he wanted the UN Security Council to refer Assad to the International Criminal Court where "Assad and his closest cronies.will be held to account."

Meanwhile, the Security Council appealed to the Syrian government to make a "fundamental change of course" and end hostilities by 6AM Damascus time on Thursday.

The governments of Turkey and Saudi Arabia may be among the first states to react to the failure of the six point plan. Turkey has been directly affected by the violence in Syria which is starting to spill over the border. Syrian forces have already fired on refugees that have crossed into Turkey seeking sanctuary. 

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia appears prepared to release millions of dollars in aid to the rebels. 
Ministers from both countries are expected to meet on Friday. 

Russia and China are reportedly pushing Assad's regime to comply with the plan but they too are calling on rebels to make more substantial steps to end the conflict. It remains likely that Russia and China will veto any substantial Security Council action that may be proposed.

Rebel forces say they will not keep the terms of the cease-fire if Syrian forces do not withdraw from those areas agreed to in the original plan.

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