In a vote earlier this afternoon the United Nations Security Council has condemned the Syrian crackdowns against pro-democracy protesters, expressing “grave concerns at the deteriorating situation in Syria” and criticizing the “widespread violation of human rights.”
The vote came after weeks of debate at the UN, but was given renewed impetus after the Hama massacre on Sunday. The resolution was significantly watered down from the original European proposal, which Russia was concerned would be used as an excuse for a NATO attack on Syria.
The official statement calls on the Assad government to cooperate with the Human Rights Commission and to allow humanitarian aid into the country. It also calls for the Syrian government to hold “accountable” those responsible for the violence.
The Syrian government has largely ignored the massacre on its own state media site, insisting that the reports are “rumors” spread by “armed terrorist groups” and reporting only on the handful of security forces killed in the city.
I think the link is broken. I clicked on "US judge says American can sue Rumsfield for torture" and ended up here instead.
Me too. 🙁
The headline is misleading and there is no mention in the text that the security council call not only criticises the crackdown but also violence on the part of opposition groups, thereby actually acknowledging the Libyan gvt's claim that they are reacting to armed groups. This was insisted on by BRICS countries. The 'usual suspects in their own draft', and yourself, in reporting the UNSC call prefer to neglect this aspect.
Sandy Synge
Me too, three hours ago and agin now.
I think the link should go here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/aug/04/ameri…
If they let "humanitarian aid" inside, the next step would be to demand their safety be "guaranteed" while aid workers would be easy targets for provocateurs. Also, this watering-down of sovereignity, no matter it bears the approval stamp of UNSC, would be unthinkable if it was to be asked from US or other major power. Russian dance or not, this "statement" looks like a first step toward greenlight for another imperial crackdown. Precedents are already too numerous to believe this time would be different.
I wonder who buys the western hypocrisy anylonger?
Al Doves link is great and informative.Rumsfeld is a criminal that broak thje constitution anytime he saw fit and needs to be sued and jailed along with Bush and many others including Obama how lied his way to the presidency.It was once the most respected possision a person could hold .Now it is criminals that become President.Ron Paul is the only person that will bring respect to the lands highest office.And then futer president can follow the constitution also that millions of Americans have blead and died for leaving children behind and greaving famillys.No more lies and corruption that only benifits the rich and is making the middel class disapear.It would be most real humans dream to see all the bankers and corrupt people in the government be rounded up and jailed thats exactly what they deserve.
500,000 Iraqi children died as a reult of US sanctions against Iraq – and – Zionist Madeline Albright said "it was worth it".
And 2000 killed in Syria – anothr pretext for another illegal unnecessary war by the US?
When are the American people going to REVOLT against our insane leaders? – ever? – oops, I forgot, we are a nation of coardly brainwashed sheep.