Germany: U.N. hesitation on Syria not 'tolerable'

Germany's foreign minister said Friday that U.N. wrangling over a resolution on Syria was harming the people, as he pushed for decisive action amid Russian hesitation and frantic diplomacy. Speaking hours before the opening of the Munich Security Conference here, Guido Westerwelle called on his counterparts at the gathering to use the time to continue talks on finding language acceptable to all in a resolution. "All those still hesitating must recognize that their hesitation is no longer tolerable for the people who are suffering from this violence and repression," said Westerwelle in a clear swipe at Moscow. "The international community must negotiate. It must find common language," added the minister, as diplomats at the United Nations in New York consider a draft resolution that was amended to overcome Russian-led opposition. The latest draft does not explicitly call on Syrian President Bashar Assad to step down or mention an arms embargo or sanctions, though it "fully supports" an Arab League plan to facilitate a democratic transition. For his part, Westerwelle said the international community must recognize "that this regime cannot continue with this repression and that President Assad must allow a peaceful transition of power." Westerwelle spoke just hours before the opening of the Munich Security Conference, which brings together heads of state, foreign ministers, top brass and defense policy experts from around the world. This year's conference, dealing with the topic of the increasing role of Asia in security policy, is headlined by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is to speak on Saturday.