UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced concern about yesterday’s reported killing of unarmed demonstrators in a Syrian town, describing the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters as unacceptable. In a statement, the spokesperson of Mr. Ban urged Syrian authorities to refrain from violence and to abide by their international commitments regarding human rights. The Secretary-General stressed that it is the responsibility of the Government in Syria to listen to the legitimate aspirations of the people and address them through inclusive political dialogue and genuine reforms, not repression. Media reports state that at least two people died after security forces opened fire at the protest in the southern town of Der’a. Syria is one of many countries in West Asia and North Africa to face public protests this year amid widespread calls for reform in the region.