Ban-Ki-Moon says Aleppo is new synonym for hell

New Delhi : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon on Saturday termed Syria's war torn city Aleppo as synonym for hell, saying the international community has collectively failed the people of Syria and the carnage there remains a "gaping hole" in the global conscience.

Ban Ki Moon addressed his last press conference as UN Secretary-General on Saturday, issuing warnings on two issues at the forefront of international concern--- Syria and South Sudan.

He stated that "the carnage in Syria remains a gaping hole in the global conscience and South Sudan faces a risk of genocide as the country leaders have squandered a peace agreement."

"Aleppo is now a synonym for hell," Ban said here yesterday, bidding farewell to the UN press corps.

"We have collectively failed the people of Syria. Peace will only prevail when it is accompanied by compassion, justice and accountability for the abominable crimes we have seen," Ban said.

Antonio Guterres will take over Ban-Ki-Moon after he completes his 10-year service as the world's top diplomat on December 31.