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February 2, 2012

Dozens Killed in Syria Clashes; Russia Stalls U.N. Measure 
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The death toll in Syria is mounting amid a standoff at the United
Nations over a response to the regime of Syrian President Bashar
Al-Assad. Opposition groups say at least 68 people were killed in
clashes with Assad's forces across Syria on Wednesday. The fighting
comes as Russia continues to oppose a Security Council measure backed by
the United States and the Arab League. The measure rules out foreign
intervention but calls for "transparent and free elections," a clause
Russia says is unacceptable as it could impose Assad's forced removal.
In Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Russia is on
the wrong side of history.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton: "They Syrian people themselves are
the ones who are crying out for peace and justice, for dignity for their
rights for a better future and every member of the Council has to make a
decision who's side are you on? Are you on the side of the Syrian
people? Are you on the side of the Arab league? Are you on the side of
the people of the Middle East and North Africa who have during this past
year spoken out courageously and often for their rights? Or are you on
the side of a brutal dictatorial regime?"



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