UN chief condemns attacks in Syria, warns of more bloodshed

Ban Ki-Moon, general secretary of the United Nations, has accused Syria's government of making "too many broken promises" as he warned that there could be far worse bloodshed in the war-torn country, Sky News reports.

This is the first time the general secretary has expressed himself since China's and Russia's veto of a resolution that would have endorsed an Arab League plan for Syria's future.

"I deeply regret that the Security Council has been unable to speak with one clear voice to end the bloodshed," Ban said, adding that the brutality of Bashar Assad's government on Homs "is a grim harbinger of worse to come".

"The failure to do so is disastrous for the people of Syria. It has encouraged the Syrian government to step up its war on its own people. Thousands have been killed in cold blood, shredding President Assad's claims to speak for the Syrian people."

The Arab League and the United Nations have intensified their talks to discuss what measures should be taken next, amid rising violence in Homs. Ban said the two have discussed the possibility of another Arab League observer mission, but details will be made available following consultations between the Arab League and UN Security Council members.