Veto Threats Spare Syria From Sanctions Call

[Purveyor]

DAMASCUS - Western powers dropped calls for immediate sanctions against Syria at the UN Security Council in the face of veto threats from China and Russia, as activists reported more Syrian civilian deaths.

A new draft resolution drawn up by Britain, France, Germany and Portugal, with US backing, threatens to adopt sanctions if the deadly crackdown by Syrian security forces does not end.

The formulation was aimed at overcoming opposition from Russia and China, who have threatened to veto any sanctions resolution brought to the council, which has so far only agreed one statement on the crackdown since mid-March.

"There is a need for a strong Security Council response to the repression," said one European diplomat explaining the resolution.

"There are hopes that this resolution can quickly get a majority in favour on the council," said a diplomat from a second council member.

MORE...

http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=48268