UN chief calls Syria situation 'precarious'

UNITED NATIONS – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is calling the situation in Syria "highly precarious" but says he's still recommending a 300-strong U.N. observer force to try to help bring peace.

Despite the Syrian government's agreement to cease all violence, Ban said attacks have escalated including "shelling of civilian areas, grave abuses by government forces and attacks by armed groups."

Ban urged the Security Council to quickly approve the expanded force, and stressed its size is subject "to continuing assessment."

Ban said he emphasized the Syrian government's responsibility to ensure freedom of movement and use of helicopters by the observers in a meeting Thursday morning with Syria's U.N. Ambassador Bashar Ja'afari, who assured him of the government's full support.