UN Security Council Resolution on Syria Fails Again

Susan Rice US envoy to the United Nations, walks out of the room as Bashar Ja'afari, Syrian envoy to the UN, prepares to address a Security Council meeting on violence in Syria, 19 July 2012. EPA/BGNES

Russia and China have vetoed a UN Security Council resolution proposed by Western powers designed to impose sanctions on the Syrian regime of embattled President Bashar Al-Assad.

The resolution, tabled by France, Germany, Portugal, the UK and USA, was intended to force a regime change in Syria.

Russia and China have repeatedly urged for a more balanced approach, warning that the west gives undue support to anti-government rebels.

In turn, Western members of the Security Council refused to discuss a version of the resolution proposed by Russia.

Russian envoy to the UN Vitaly Churking blamed those countries for a "non-constructive position."

The situation in Syria was exacerbated Wednesday, after a major terrorist attack killed and wounded key Syrian security officers, including ministers and vice-ministers.

In addition, a terrorist blast against a bus of Israeli tourists in Burgas, Bulgaria, gave Israel the occasion to steep up rhetoric against Iran, blaming the attack on the Islamic Republic.