UN repeats call for Syria cease-fire

The U.N. Security Council is reiterating its call for implementation of its Feb. 24 resolution demanding a cease-fire throughout Syria for at least 30 days without delay to deliver humanitarian aid and evacuate the wounded and critically ill.

Council president Karel Van Oosterom of the Netherlands told reporters after Wednesday's closed meeting that members expressed concern about the humanitarian situation.

The council heard briefings from U.N. special envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura and senior U.N. humanitarian official Lisa Doughten.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is scheduled to brief the council on implementation of the resolution on Monday.

Guterres urged all parties on Tuesday to implement the cease-fire and expressed serious concern at attacks throughout the besieged Damascus suburbs of eastern Ghouta as well as reported shelling of the capital, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.