This might be the last chance for the Syrian government and opposition to resolve differences peacefully within the framework of the UN, said Zhang Xiaodong, secretary-general of the China Association for Middle Eastern Studies, mentioning it was not common for all five permanent members to reach consensus on this issue.

Considering the substantial difference between the government and the opposition over the resignation of Assad, "the cease-fire is rather fragile and even a slight matter could reignite the fighting", Zhang said.

Meanwhile, Western diplomats put the onus on Syria to make the mission work. The US ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice, warned that the US would pursue sanctions if Assad doesn't comply. "We will not wait 90 days to pursue measures against the Syrian government if it continues to violate its commitments or obstruct the monitors' work," Rice said.

However, George Gabbour, a Syrian political analyst, said that the UN decision is a "good step" and the mission would help to pinpoint the party that is responsible for the violence.

"We are optimistic about their task and it will eventually lead to a full halt of violence," he said.

Questions

1. How many unarmed observers will go into the conflict area?

2. Who is the Chinese Permanent Representative to the UN?

3. What do Russia and China support instead of a ‘regime change’?

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