UN Syria mission 'to be reduced' http://dlvr.it/1q4cg9
UN Syria mission should be reduced, Ban Ki-moon says
Protests have continued, despite the violenceThe head of the UN, Ban Ki-moon, has recommended that its mission in Syria should be scaled back and refocused on political mediation, after a UN-backed truce failed to take hold.
In a report to the Security Council, Mr Ban said the mission should concentrate on fostering dialogue instead of monitoring the truce.
Violence has escalated in Syria, despite the ceasefire agreed in April.
The 300-strong UN mission's mandate expires in two weeks' time.
The council is due to discuss the mission on Wednesday, ahead of a vote whether to extend its mission on 18 July.
The UN secretary general's report suggests that the number of military observers be reduced, but not completely withdrawn.
The move is aimed at sending the message that the international community is not abandoning Syria, the BBC's Barbara Plett at the UN says.
Mr Ban also suggests that the mission should be based in the capital Damascus, rather than - as previously - in the field, where observers have faced frequent attacks.
The nominal ceasefire the mission was trying to monitor forms part of a six-point peace plan drawn up by UN and Arab League envoy Kofi Annan.
Last week, a meeting of key international and regional powers in Geneva agreed to call for a transitional government in Syria.
Some 15,800 people have been killed since the start of the anti-government uprising more than a year ago. The revolt is seen as becoming increasingly militarised.
