United Nations, Aug 4 (IANS): The UN Security Council under India's presidency has called on Syrian authorities to cease the use of force, saying an inclusive and Syrian-led political process is the only solution to the crisis there.

Such a process should aim at "effectively addressing the legitimate aspirations and concerns of the population which will allow the full exercise of fundamental freedoms for its entire population, including that of expression and peaceful assembly," it said Wednesday in a presidential statement.

The council, chaired by India's Permanent UN Representative Hardeep Singh Puri, expressed "its grave concern at the deteriorating situation in Syria, and expresses profound regret at the death of many hundreds of people".

The Security Council also condemned the widespread violations of human rights and the use of force against civilians by the Syrian authorities.

"The Security Council notes the announced commitments by the Syrian authorities to reform, and regrets the lack of progress in implementation, and called upon the Syrian Government to implement its commitments." the presidential statement said.