UN envoy ‘deeply alarmed’ by clashes, killings in Syria

GENEVA: The UN envoy for the Syrian Arab Republic voiced alarm Friday at reports of clashes and killings in coastal areas between Syrian caretaker authority forces and elements loyal to toppled president Bashar Assad’s regime.

Decrying “very troubling reports of civilian casualties,” Geir Pedersen insisted there was “clearly an immediate need for restraint from all parties, and full respect for the protection of civilians in accordance with international law.”