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Tim FitzsimonsMarch 21, 2012 13:24
United Nations Security Council endorses Annan peace plan
The non-binding "presidential statement" is the strongest diplomatic language yet from the international body.
The non-binding "presidential statement" is the strongest diplomatic language yet from the international body.
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UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan speaks to the press on March 16, 2012 in Geneva after a videoconference briefing of the United Nations Security Council. Annan said today he would send a technical team to Damascus next week to discuss setting up an international monitoring mission for Syria. (Philippe Merle/AFP/Getty Images)
BEIRUT, Lebanon — The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday passed a non-binding "presidential statement" endorsing the peace plan proposed by joint UN-Arab League envoy to Syria Kofi Annan, CNN reported. Russia and China, who have opposed efforts by other Security Council members to isolate Syria, voted for the statement, which passed unanimously.
The six-point plan calls for a ceasefire, political dialogue, the facilitation of humanitarian aid access, prisoner releases, and freedom of movement for foreign journalists.
It also calls on Damascus to commit to working with "an inclusive Syrian-led political process to address the legitimate aspirations and concerns of the Syrian people," Al Jazeera wrote.
More from GlobalPost: Annan urges UN action on Syria, will return for talks
Voice of America reported, "The statement said Syria will face 'further steps' if Mr. Annan's six-point peace proposal is rejected."
US Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice tweeted:
We urge the Syrian authorities to respond swiftly & positively. #Syria
— Susan Rice (@AmbassadorRice) March 21, 2012
France had to modify the wording of the statement, "removing a section that would have required a review of progress on Annan's proposal in seven days. The government would have been threatened with "further measures" if sufficient progress was not deemed to have been made," Al Jazeera wrote.
The passed statement asks Annan to update the Security Council "regularly."
Russia's foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, said the statement "reflects the reality in Syria and supports Annan's aims. We support it fully".
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/middle-east/120321/united-nations-security-council-endorses-annan-peace-plan
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