In Syria, the last couple of days have been perhaps most violent and deadly, at least for the protesters who became target practice for security forces. On April 22, 2011, Syrian security forces were alleged to have killed almost or perhaps more than one hundred unarmed civilians. The following day, video was shown of funeral processions being targeted, this time with more unarmed civilians killed, even before the dead from the previous day had reached the cemetery. Ban Ki-moon has condemned the “ongoing violence against peaceful demonstrators in Syria”, The Secretary General has “called upon the country's authorities to stop the bloodshed and respect international human rights.” (UN News Release - April 23, 2011_ The Secretary General, as cited by UN Press Releases: “reiterated that there should be an independent, transparent and effective investigation into the killings. The Secretary-General “reminds the Syrian authorities of their obligation to respect international human rights, including the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, as well as the freedom of the press,” He took note of the lifting of the state of emergency and of the programme of reforms announced by President Bashar al-Assad and emphasized his belief that only an inclusive dialogue and the effective implementation of reforms can address the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people and ensure social peace and order. Focusing on the call for an independent investigation, it is not likely that current Syrian authorities are either willing or capable of undertaking such that it would satisfy international standards. The information reaching media sources indicates that there is a premeditated effort to stem protests before they reach the momentum which toppled old regimes in Tunisia, Egypt (and perhaps Yemen?). Thus, is the International Criminal Court likely to take on the matter? Syria is not a member of the ICC, perhaps exactly to make less possible review of situations as those unfolding today. The UN Security Council has not as yet referred the matter to the ICC. That does not mean though that the Prosecutor’s Office is not gathering information and consulting of how to assert its jurisdiction. The major impediment, for now, maybe resources with so many matters pending before the Court, including the particularly thick portfolio in Libya. By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Face Book at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – DiplomaticallyX “UN Human Rights Commissioner on…” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/yemensyriabahrain-protests-un-human-rights-commissioner/25801 “Arab Revolutions How Far?” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/arab-revolutions-how-far-by-ambassador-mo/25222