Hague 'Isn't Vague' On Backing Syrian People

Britain will continue to stand side by side with the Syrian people and redouble efforts to work with international partners to increase pressure on the regime.

Foreign Secretary William Hague said he was disappointed by Russia and China's decision to veto this week's UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR).

It was threatening sanctions against violence-torn Syria, and the Foreign Secretary said their refusal to back the threat of action against President Bashar Assad's military crackdown would be seen "as a decision to side with a brutal regime rather than with the people of Syria".

He commented after both countries blocked the resolution despite three attempts by European members of the Security Council to water down the language of the sanctions.

On the UNSCR in New York, he added: "This will be seen in the region as a decision to side with a brutal regime rather than with the people of Syria, and will be a bitter blow to all those Syrians who have implored the international community to take a stand.

"The resolution that the UK tabled with France, Germany and Portugal was carefully drafted and entirely reasonable.

"It took account of the need for all sides to reject violence, stressed that a political transition should be Syrian-led and was explicit that Security Council consideration of sanctions against Syria should not include military action," he added.

"The tabling of this Resolution followed months of horrific abuses against civilians by President Assad and his regime, during which the regime has had repeated opportunities to stop the violence and to reform had it intended to do so.

"Those who blocked it will have this action on their conscience.

"Britain will continue to stand side by side with the Syrian people. We will redouble our efforts to work with our international partners to increase the pressure on the regime wherever we can, and assure the people of Syria that they will not be forgotten."

Russia's UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said his country did not support President Assad's regime or the violence, but opposed the resolution because it was "based on a philosophy of confrontation," contained "an ultimatum of sanctions," and was against a peaceful settlement of a crisis.

(BMcC/CD)