South Africa opposes military intervention in Syria

A handout image released by the Syrian opposition's Shaam News Network shows smoke rising following shelling in the restive city of Homs on June 14, 2012. At least 52 people died in clashes and bombings across Syria on June 14, with activists calling for another day of protests as the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad enters its 16th month. AFP PHOTO/HO --- RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / HO / SHAAM NEWS NETWORK" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS - AFP IS USING PICTURES FROM ALTERNATIVE SOURCES AS IT WAS NOT AUTHORISED TO COVER THIS EVENT, THEREFORE IT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DIGITAL ALTERATIONS TO THE PICTURE'S EDITORIAL CONTENT, DATE AND LOCATION WHICH CANNOT BE INDEPENDENTLY VERIFIED ---

JOHANNESBURG. — The South African government yesterday announced that it does not support any idea of military intervention in Syria. “South Africa is alarmed at the latest escalation in the conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic, bombing the already suffering people and crumbling infrastructure of Syria will not contribute to a sustainable solution,” said the Department of International Relations and Co-operation spokesperson, Clayson Monyela, in a statement in Pretoria.
Syrian rebels claimed that chemical weapons were used by the government troops last week in an attack on the outskirts of the capital Damascus, killing many people including children.
The five UN Security Council permanent members met on Wednesday to discuss a British-proposed resolution on Syria, which called for a military response to the use of chemical weapons.
Monyela said the South African government was convinced that the outcome of the military intervention would be unpredictable and will only serve to worsen the conflict in Syria.
“It will ultimately be the people of Syria who pay the price, while those participating in the military intervention will return to safety far away from the crisis,” he pointed out.
Believing that a political solution should be sought in Syria, the South African government urges all parties involved in the Syrian conflict to engage in a process of all-inclusive national dialogue, free of any form of violence, said the spokesperson.
On Monday, the Syrian government denied and slammed the allegations of chemical weapon use, saying the West’s claims that his government used chemical weapons were “an insult to common sense.” — Xinhua.