“Aleppo Is Now a Synonym For Hell”, Says Outgoing UN Chief Ban Ki-moon

Buses are seen during an evacuation operation of rebel fighters and their families from rebel-held Eastern Aleppo, Syria.

New York, 17 Rabiul Awwal 1438/17 December (MINA) – Outgoing UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon says Aleppo has become “a synonym for hell,” as he expresses regret over the world’s collective failure to stop the war in Syria, SPA reported.

“The carnage in Syria remains a gaping hole in the global conscience,” Ban says in his last press conference.

“Aleppo is now a synonym for hell.”

The UN chief says there’s a “lack of solidarity, lack of compassion” for Syria.

“This is an issue of … people just sticking to a very narrow personal or national interest – that has been killing hundreds of thousands of people now, that we have to reject in the name of humanity,” Ban says.

Risk of genocide

On another front, he noted that this week will mark the third year of conflict in South Sudan, and he deplored that “the country’s leaders have betrayed their people’s trust, and squandered a peace agreement.”

“Most immediately, my Special Adviser [on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng] has warned of the risk of genocide,” he said, urging the UN Security Council to take more concerted action, including through punitive measures.

Mr. Ban will complete his 10-year service as the world’s top diplomat on 31 December, passing the baton to his successor António Guterres, who was sworn in this past Monday. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)