The conflict in Syria could bring the region "fire and blood" if a settlement is not reached, warned Wednesday the international mediator Lakhdar Brahimi passing through Beirut. "This crisis can not be confined indefinitely for the Syrian territory. Either it is set, or it will get worse, overflow, and will (bring the region) with fire and blood," said Mr. Brahimi who made one week regional tour meeting with influential countries.
He renewed his call for the implementation of a cease-fire on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, which will be celebrated from October 26 to 28. "The Syrian people on both sides (government and rebels), bury over a hundred people a day. Could we not ask on the occasion of this festival, that this balance will be down?" he said. "It will not be a happy celebration for the Syrians, but it will be at least less sad."
"If the Syrian government agrees (to this move) - and from what I heard, there is hope - and if the opposition accepts this proposal as it told us, it will be a very small step, a microscopic to a more global cease-fire, the withdrawal of heavy artillery, stopping the flow of weapons from abroad and a political solution in Syria, "said Mr. Brahimi.
Regime and rebels announced they are ready to accept the proposal of the UN and the Arab League envoy, but on condition that the other party respects first.
The tour of Brahimi, who visited among others Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Iran, was considered as a new attempt to find a solution to the civil war in Syria.
Mr. Brahimi said he would close his regional tour in Damascus, without specifying a date. "We are discussing with all parties the halt of the bloodshed and resolve the problems of the Syrians by Syrians themselves," said Mr. Brahimi, who was speaking at a press briefing after a meeting with Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
According to him, "Everyone says that the bloodshed in Syria is very dangerous and it must stop, but everyone (on both sides) is to blame."
"We need to see how Syria get out of the abyss into which it has fallen," said the mediator.
