Since last year, Syrian allies Russia and China have vetoed three Security Council resolutions on Syria. The proposals would have held President Assad responsible for his failure to honor Mr. Annan's peace plan. They would have also threatened the president with sanctions. The Annan plan included a cease-fire and talks on a temporary government. Rebel forces did not commit themselves to the plan either.
The Obama Administration said Mr. Annan's resignation shows the failure of Russia and China to support meaningful resolutions against Mr. Assad.
But China says it has been actively "supporting and cooperating with" Mr. Annan's efforts. A Foreign Ministry spokesman said China regrets his resignation and understands the difficulties of his work.
The Security Council established a U.N. observer mission in Syria in April. But the violence increased, and half of the three hundred military observers left in July.
French ambassador Gerard Araud is this month's president of the Security Council. He denied suggestions that he opposes an extension of the United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria, or UNSMIS, past August nineteenth. He noted a recent Security Council resolution permitting a renewal, if the government stops shelling civilian areas and if the level of violence decreases.
GERARD ARAUD: "And on this basis, I think we'll decide whether we keep the UNSMIS. If we can't keep the UNSMIS in Syria, I think we are ready, of course, to consider any proposal by the secretary-general."
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2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25