A/HRC/19/2 623. The Islamic Republic of Iran noted the determination of the Syrian Arab Republic to promote human rights and democracy by responding to the demands of the people and by adopting a new Constitution, which had taken into consideration many new commitments in the area of human rights. The Syrian Arab Republic had accepted a number of recommendations, which should be fully implemented. The Islamic Republic of Iran was, however, concerned that sanctions imposed on the Syrian Arab Republic by certain countries would hamper the Government’s efforts to provide basic services to its population. 624. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela noted that the Syrian Arab Republic had adopted a new Constitution, which provided for political pluralism. It was concerned that the country’s efforts to promote human rights had been hampered by harsh unilateral sanctions. It expressed concern at the support that armed groups had received from some countries, which only served to encourage the violation of the right to life. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reiterated its faith in the ability of the Syrian people and the Government to resolve their domestic situation without any foreign intervention, in accordance with the principles of sovereignty and self-determination. 625. Ecuador called on the Government and the armed groups to respect human rights, to refrain from violence and the escalation of the armed conflict, and to engage in a peaceful and constructive dialogue to find a political solution. It hoped that the Syrian Arab Republic would consider the outcome of the review positively and implement the recommendations accepted. Ecuador believed that individual investigative procedures were not the most appropriate way to promote and protect human rights, and that the universal periodic review was a more adequate means. 626. The Russian Federation noted that the agreement of the Syrian Arab Republic to undergo its universal periodic review demonstrated that, despite the difficult period, it was open to a mutually respectful dialogue on human rights issues. It noted with satisfaction that the Syrian Arab Republic had accepted a large number of recommendations, and called on the country to make every effort to implement them. 627. China paid great attention to the developments in the Syrian Arab Republic and stood for a peaceful solution to the crisis. The Government of the Syrian Arab Republic and other parties should immediately and unconditionally stop all acts of violence, in particular against innocent civilians. The Government and the various factions should open an inclusive political dialogue immediately. Relevant parties in the international community should respect the independence and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic, and the right of the people to choose independently their political system and path of development. China supported the leading role of the United Nations in coordinating humanitarian assistance. It appealed to the Human Rights Council to conduct its work in an impartial, objective and non-selective manner, and to play a constructive role in the pursuit of an early political solution. 628. The United States of America was appalled by the worsening human rights situation. Since the review, the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic had engaged in even more flagrant violations of international human rights. Government forces had cracked down brutally on Syrians who demanded merely that their human rights be respected. This had resulted in the killing of more than 7,500 civilians. The people continued to endure mass arrests, arbitrary detentions, torture, targeted killings and indiscriminate bombardment by heavy artillery. A Government that ruled through terror and intimidation should step aside. The United States called on the Government to immediately facilitate access to humanitarian aid, end violence against peaceful protestors and political activists, release all prisoners of conscience, permit unrestricted access to human rights observers, including the commission of inquiry and media, and allow a Syrian-led transition towards the formation of a representative Government. GE.13-14768 227