UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon held a telephone conversation with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and called to end violence against ant-governmental protesters, RIA Novosti reports.

The Secretary General stressed the need to respect human rights and called for full and immediate implementation of reform measures announced by the Syrian Government. He also stressed the importance of comprehensive dialogue and reforms.

Anti-governmental protests in Syria have flared since mid March 2011. According to latest data, 500 people were killed in the country’s unrest. According to official data, 70 civilians, 78 soldiers and policemen were killed.