BICOM

The UN Security Council could vote today on a European-drafted resolution condemning the Syrian regime’s violent crackdown on opponents who have staged protests against the continued rule of Bashar Assad. In the UN, European nations backing the stalled resolution have softened the wording of the proposal, removing references to potential sanctions in favour of “targeted measures,” against President Assad’s government if it fails to halt its military assault on protesters.

Russia and China are against imposing sanctions on Syria, and diplomats say it is unclear whether they will still veto the resolution with softer language or, instead, abstain from voting.

Meanwhile, in Syria, activists say security forces around the town of Rastan have arrested up to 3,000 people since Saturday in an effort to track down military defectors. The Syrian military is also reported to have deployed more forces in the town of Talbiseh, near Homs – another area that has defied government authority for months.

A group of Syrian Army deserters who have organised under the banner of the “Free Syria Army” are asking the international community to support a “no fly” zone and a protected area for dissidents and deserters that would be beyond the reach of the government, according to Manhal al-Adday, a spokesman for the group.

The United Nations says at least 2,700 people have been killed in the crackdown.