Syria praises Russia and China after veto of sanctions at the UN.
The vetoes by both countries in the Security Council on a resolution against Syria were a "historic day," according to an advisor to the country's president, Bashar Assad; France and Germany regretted the decision.
The vetoes by Russia and China in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on a resolution against Syria were a "historic day," an advisor to President Bashar Assad, Bouthaina Shaaban, told Agence France-Presse on Wednesday. Germany and France, however, lamented the decision taken by the UNSC the previous day.
"This is a historic day in which Russia and China, as nations, are standing with the people and against injustice," said Shabaan. The document called for "measures" against Syria if the Assad regime maintains its violent repression of protesters demanding more democracy.
More than 2.700 people have already died because of the Syrian repression. Germany and France lamented the vote by Russia and China on the issue. The two nations are permanent members of the Security Council, with veto power. Brazil, a temporary member of the Security Council, abstained, along with South Africa, India, and Lebanon.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that he will maintain his upcoming announcement of a sanctions package against Syria, despite the Security Council's blockage of such punishments. (Source: Dow Jones)