The UN Secretary General has condemned authorities in Syria for using tanks and live ammunition against anti-government protesters. Calling for an independent investigation into recent killings, Ban Ki-moon said Syrian authorities had an obligation to respect human rights. There have been numerous reports of a crackdown in Syria as the government seeks to crush the month-long pro-democracy protests. UN Security Council members have so far failed to agree to a joint statement. The 15-nation council is expected to take up the issue of Syria again later today.