U.S. "disgusted" as Russia, China veto UN Syria resolution
- 12 years ago
Deadlock at the U.N.
On Saturday, Russia and China veto a Western-Arab U.N. Security Council resolution calling for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step aside.
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice says she is disgusted by the vote.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. AMBASSADOR TO THE U.N. SUSAN RICE , SAYING:
"Mr. President, The United States is disgusted that a couple members of this council continue to prevent us from fulfilling our spoke purpose here. addressing an ever depending crisis in Syria ands a growing threat to regional peace and security. For months this council has been held hostage by a couple of members These members stand behind empty arguments and individual interest while delaying and seeking to string bare any text that would pressure Assad to change directions. "
Amateur video which could not be independently verified by Reuters shows ongoing violence in Homs.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. AMBASSADOR TO THE U.N. SUSAN RICE , SAYING:
"Since yesterday the Syrian government has waged an intensified and horrific campaign in Homs to murder hundreds, including women and children with artillery and tanks and other indiscriminate violence Syrian forces continue to prevent hundreds of innocent and injured civilians from seeking medical help. The international community must protect the Syrian people from this abhorrent brutality. But a couple members of this council remain steadfast in their willingness to sell out the Syrian people and shield a craven tyrant."
The other 13 council members voted in favor of the resolution, which would have said that the council "fully supports" the Arab League plan.
Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters
On Saturday, Russia and China veto a Western-Arab U.N. Security Council resolution calling for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step aside.
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice says she is disgusted by the vote.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. AMBASSADOR TO THE U.N. SUSAN RICE , SAYING:
"Mr. President, The United States is disgusted that a couple members of this council continue to prevent us from fulfilling our spoke purpose here. addressing an ever depending crisis in Syria ands a growing threat to regional peace and security. For months this council has been held hostage by a couple of members These members stand behind empty arguments and individual interest while delaying and seeking to string bare any text that would pressure Assad to change directions. "
Amateur video which could not be independently verified by Reuters shows ongoing violence in Homs.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. AMBASSADOR TO THE U.N. SUSAN RICE , SAYING:
"Since yesterday the Syrian government has waged an intensified and horrific campaign in Homs to murder hundreds, including women and children with artillery and tanks and other indiscriminate violence Syrian forces continue to prevent hundreds of innocent and injured civilians from seeking medical help. The international community must protect the Syrian people from this abhorrent brutality. But a couple members of this council remain steadfast in their willingness to sell out the Syrian people and shield a craven tyrant."
The other 13 council members voted in favor of the resolution, which would have said that the council "fully supports" the Arab League plan.
Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters