Taking sides: Major split in UNSC after Syria veto

Moscow says it regrets that the authors of the draft UN resolution on Syria did not do more to reach a consensus and produce a balanced text. The tsunami of criticism now being directed at Russia and China leaves little scope for any new document.

Russia's UN ambassador, Vitaly Churkin, justified the veto by saying the proposed resolution "sent an unbalanced signal to the Syrian parties." The resolution puts pressure on the Syrian regime to immediately withdraw its forces from cities and towns – but nothing of the sort applies to the opposition.

Lavrov will go to Damascus on February 7 to meet Syrian President Bashar al- Assad. The Russian Foreign Minister will be accompanied by Foreign Intelligence chief Mikhail Fradkov. The two are set to facilitate democratic reform in the Arab country and sponsor the Arab League’s peace plan.

Webmaster's Commentary: 

Russia and China are being the adults in the room at the UN security Counsel, and I applaud them for their actions.

The fact that Sergei Lavrov, a career Russian diplomat for whom I have a great deal of respect, is heading to Damascus to see what can possibly be negotiated to head off a civil war in Syria, can only be seen as a positive development.

Of course, the US and Israel want no such thing as a peaceful, diplomatic resolution to the Syrian uprising, because if Syria is attacked from outside, Iran is treaty-bound to go to Syria's defense. And the real prize, as far as the US and Israel see it, is the excuse to go into Iran.

But a short memo to Sergei Lavrov: please keep your Kevlar undies on this trip!

Posted on Feb 05, 2012 at 10:04
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