Switzerland condemns in the strongest possible terms the massacre in Houla, in which almost 100 people were killed including 32 children aged 10 or under. It calls for an international investigation to establish the facts and those responsible for this abominable slaughter, which could constitute a war crime.

Switzerland will work within the framework of the United Nations to ensure that those responsible are held to account before a court. It considers that the UN Security Council should immediately ask the International Criminal Court to carry out an investigation into the crimes committed by all parties concerned.

Switzerland reiterates its support for the plan of the Special Envoy of the United Nations and the Arab League, Kofi Annan, because its sees this as the only way to end the crisis in Syria peacefully. It demands that the Government of Syria implement all elements of the plan without delay, including giving humanitarian organisations access to the civilian victims.  

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