United Nations, Muharram 20, 1434, Dec 4, 2012, SPA - The United Nations is withdrawing all non-essential international personnel from Syria due to the worsening security situation and is suspending all missions in the country, U.N. spokesman Martin Nesirky announced Monday. Up to 25 of about 100 foreign staff could leave this week, while remaining staff will be restricted to the capital. Eight U.N. personnel have been killed since the beginning of the conflict in addition to 18 volunteers of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, seven of whom died while on duty. --SPA 11:12 LOCAL TIME 08:12 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/1055289