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"The battle to topple the state is over. Our goal now is to ensure stability and create a perspective for reform and development in Syria while preventing others from sabotaging the path of reform.""When security can be maintained for civilians, the army will leave. This is a Syrian matter."
While calling for a ceasefire on both sides, Annan's six-point peace plan states:
"The Syrian government should immediately cease troop movements towards, end the use of heavy weapons in population centers, and begin pullback of military concentrations in and around population centers.""As these actions are being taken on the ground, the Syrian government should work with the envoy to bring about a sustained cessation of armed violence in all its forms by all parties with an effective United Nations supervision mechanism."
Annan's spokesman Ahmad Fawzi said "(w)e expect (Assad) to implement this plan immediately. The deadline is now. (He) must stop first and then discuss a cessation of hostilities with the other side and with the mediator."
He's more victim than villain. But he's blamed for insurgent violence and asked to stop defending his people while they continue killing them. Annan picked up where he left off as UN Secretary-General. For a decade, he supported imperial wars and did nothing to secure peace.
Unaddressed now is Assad's responsibility to stop insurgent violence. Pulling back while it rages facilitates more. He's obligated to protect his people. If not him, who?
At the same time, America, rogue NATO partners, and complicit regional states want Assad toppled violently. Peaceful resolution is smoke screen deception. It camouflages greater planned conflict.
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