BICOM

A draft resolution condemning the human rights violations taking place in Syria was submitted yesterday to the UN General Assembly backed by Arab and EU countries. Jordan, Morocco, Qatar and Saudi Arabia sponsored the draft along with Germany, Britain and France. US State Department spokesperson Mark Toner said the US will join the resolution as a co-sponsor. The draft demands an end to the violence, the upholding of human rights and the implementation of the Arab League action plan to stop halt the violence. The British UN Ambassador Mark Grant said, “the draft was the result of close consultations with Arab League members as a response to critical events on the ground in Syria. It complements the ongoing efforts of the Arab League, for example by inviting the UN to offer support, if requested, for the League of Arab States’ proposed observer mission in Syria.”

In October, Russia and China used their veto to block a UN Security Council move to condemn Syria. This new resolution will be for the 193-nation General Assembly, where veto power is not applicable. The Human Rights committee will review the resolution first before it is sent onwards to the General Assembly.

In unrelated news, US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta said he would discuss US concerns about a military strike on Iran when he meets Defence Minister Ehud Barak today. The discussion regarding military action on Iran’s nuclear sites has gained momentum since the release of an International Atomic Energy Agency report that said Iran is working towards a nuclear weapon. Panetta said that a strike on Iran would have economic consequences, which could impact the world economy.

Panetta also told reporters yesterday that the US believed diplomatic pressure and sanctions was the most effective way to confront Iran’s nuclear programme. Panetta added that a strike on Iranian sites would only put back the programme one to two years, while it would have dangerous implications for US forces in the region.