The head of a UN observer team says that no amount of observers in Syria can achieve a permanent end to the violence without dialogue, the Associated Press reported.

Norwegian team leader Maj. Gen. Robert Mood is calling for an end to the violence so that the mission can build on talks between the parties.

He spoke at a news conference in the Syrian capital on Friday, May 18.

More than 200 observers are currently deployed in various towns and cities around Syria to monitor a cease-fire brokered by international peace envoy Kofi Annan, but violations are reported by both sides every day.