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    February 04, 2012

Russian FM Threatens 'Scandal' on Syria Resolution

   VOA News
   Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov speaks at a news conference in
   Moscow, Russia (file photo). Photo: AP
   Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov speaks at a news conference in
   Moscow, Russia (file photo).

   Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has criticized the text of a
   Western-backed United Nations Security Council resolution on the
   violence in Syria, saying there will be a "scandal" if it is put to a
   vote.
   Lavrov says Russia wants two amendments to the resolution. He said the
   measure should treat anti- and pro-government forces more equally
   rather than appear to be taking sides in a civil war. And he said the
   resolution should close the door on any possibility of foreign
   intervention in the conflict.
   The Russian foreign minister made his remarks at a Moscow airport
   before traveling to Germany on Saturday where he spoke to a gathering
   of security experts in Munich. In New York, the Security Council is
   expected to vote on the resolution Saturday.
   Human rights activists say Syrian armed forces have killed more than
   200 people in the city of Homs in a surge of violence that began
   Friday.
   The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights says hundreds more people have
   been wounded and some buildings have been destroyed. Much of the
   shelling has fallen on the Khalidiya neighborhood of Homs where there
   is strong anti-government sentiment.
   Homs, located in western Syria near the Lebanese border, has been one
   of the main flashpoints of opposition to the regime during the uprising
   that began nearly 11 months ago.
   Russia has arms contracts with Syria and has consistently opposed any
   foreign intervention in Syria. Lavrov has also expressed concern that
   peaceful anti-government protesters are being used by armed rebel
   groups to "create trouble."
   Both Russia and China vetoed a U.N. resolution on Syria in October.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
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