UN Approves Document Endorsing Cessation of Violence in Syria - East Idaho News
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UN Approves Document Endorsing Cessation of Violence in Syria

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Getty W 042511 SyriaProtest?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1332405414301KARIM SAHIB/AFP/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — In a rare instance of unanimity, the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday endorsed an effort by former Secretary General Kofi Annan to end the year-long government crackdown on pro-democracy forces in Syria.

While the document crafted by Annan — known as a presidential statement — does not mean Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad must abide by it, the fact that Damascus allies Russia and China went along with the peace effort could finally compel him to end the violence that has cost more than 8,000 lives since March 2011.

Previously, Russia and China voted down a Security Council resolution that would have had al-Assad cede power to a transitional government so that free elections could occur to pick a permanent president.

Annan’s proposal, which he presented to al-Assad last week, would facilitate negotiations for a cease-fire, send shipments of aid to victims holed up in cities were most of the attacks have taken place and begin a transition to a new government.

The Security Council also expressed its “gravest concern at the deteriorating situation in Syria, which has resulted in a serious human rights crisis and a deplorable humanitarian situation.”

Both the U.S. and Russia praised the Security Council’s attempt to finally hold al-Assad accountable for the crackdown, although Moscow said it went along with the document because it does not call for the Syrian president to step down.

There was no immediate reaction from Damascus about the U.N. action.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

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