It argues that the British-drafted resolution could lead to armed
intervention, even though it comes under article 41 of chapter 7, which
specifically excludes the use of force. The sanctions would probably cover
the economy and travel by regime members.
“We are not going to stand back from what is clearly required at the UN just
because the Russians are refusing to engage without just cause,” said a
Western diplomat.
“The arguments on the Russian side reason don’t stand up to scrutiny The
Syrian people need a clear signal that we are not prepared to stand aside.”
Kofi Annan, the international envoy to Syria, visited Moscow yesterday in a
bid to shift its position as Syria’s protector at the UN.
Afterwards Sergei Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, said he saw “no reason
why we cannot also agree at the UN Security Council”.
But Russia’s preference is for a simple extension of the UN observer mission’s
existing mandate, though it would take on a more political dimension.
The resolution condemns the “Syrian authorities’ increasing use of heavy
weapons, including indiscriminate shelling from tanks and helicopters, in
population centres”.
It also condemns “the continued widespread violations of human rights by the
Syrian authorities, as well as any human rights abuses by armed opposition
groups”.
Related posts:
Views: 0