DHAKA: Russia is ‘categorically against’ foreign intervention in Syria and believes any new steps by the UN Security Council would be ‘premature’, its deputy foreign minister has said.
Russia wields a veto at the UN Security Council and the remarks are a blow to hopes of a fresh initiative there, reports BBC.
International outrage has been expressed at the massacre in Houla in which 108 people were killed.
More violence has been reported in Syria since.
Parts of Homs were shelled on Wednesday morning, while explosions were heard in Damascus overnight, activists said.
Activists say 70 people were killed on Tuesday.
Several countries, now joined by Japan, have already announced that they are expelling Syrian diplomats in a co-ordinated protest at the crackdown.
UN and Arab League envoy Kofi Annan says Syria is at a ‘tipping point’. His deputy will later update the UN Security Council on the crisis.
China and Russia have previously blocked two UN Security Council resolutions calling for tougher action on Damascus.
On Tuesday, French President Francois Hollande said military intervention authorised by the Security Council had not yet been ruled out.
BDST: 1644 HRS, MAY 30, 2012
Edited by Robab Rosan, Cultural Affairs Editor
All rights reserved. Sale, redistribution or reproduction of information/photos/illustrations/video/audio contents on this website in any form without prior permission from banglanews24.com are strictly prohibited and liable to legal action.
