Rice accuses UN Council of 'Colossal Failure' in Syria

The United States said that the UN Security Council has suffered a colossal failure in Syria, renewing its demand for sanctions against the Syrian regime. US Envoy to the United Nations Susan Rice told a council debate on civilians in conflict last night that more than a year, this Council has been unable to protect the Syrian people from the atrocities carried out by their government, adding that the government's crackdown has become more dangerous to international peace and security. She also called for effective measures including the imposition of sanctions under Chapter VII of the UN Charter to put pressure on Assad to comply with Annan's six point peace plan and work toward a political transition. For his part, her British Counterpart Mark Lyall Grant called for a robust action to press the Syrian government. In turn, French Ambassador Gerard Arrow said the international community did not succeed so far in protecting Syrian civilians, adding that the Council should send a strong message to the Syrian authorities. (QNA)