New York, Sha'ban 17, 1433, Jul 7, 2012, SPA - The United Nations Security Council was urged on Friday to maintain the group of 300 unarmed military observers in Syria so they can contribute to advancing a political solution to the conflict there. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon recommended that the Council renew the mandate of UN Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS) when it expires on July 20. The monitors, who were deployed to verify the ceasefire declared on April 12, last month suspended their activities because of the continued intense fighting. The 15-nation council is scheduled to meet Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss the mandate and review the situation in Syria. "UNSMIS can play a valuable role in supporting political dialogue and local confidence-building, in establishing facts on the ground, and reporting clearly and objectively to the international community," Ban said in a report to the Council, which was obtained by DPA. --SPA 13:04 LOCAL TIME 10:04 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/1013747