“I welcome the UN Security Council’s unanimous support for Kofi Annan’s approach. This is a long overdue step. With today’s statement, the UN Security Council at long last sends the clear message to the Syrian leadership that it must end the bloodshed, alleviate the humanitarian suffering and discontinue the grave human rights violations. It is an unmistakable signal to the Assad regime that it has to cooperate with Kofi Annan. Germany stands side by side with the Syrian people and, together with its partners, will continue to press for an end to the violence, for humanitarian access and peaceful political change in Syria.”