Geneva: The UN`s top human rights body voted
overwhelmingly on Tuesday to demand that Syria end its bloody
crackdown and cooperate with an international probe into
possible crimes against humanity.
The UN Human Rights Council voted 33-4 to condemn the
violence by Syrian authorities, strongly underscoring the
growing international isolation of President Bashar al-Assad,
and dispatch a human rights team to probe alleged atrocities
since March.
The countries voting in favour included all four Arab
voting members of the council -- Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and
Saudi Arabia. Russia and China voted against, along with Cuba
and Ecuador.
The remaining countries on the 47-nation council
abstained or were absent.
Western diplomats quickly capitalised on the resolution`s
strong support and the symbolism of the council`s Arab members
voting in favour of it.
US Ambassador Eileen Donahoe said the broad consensus
shows the extent to which Assad has become isolated.
"We will not stand by silently as innocent civilians and
peaceful protesters are slaughtered by security forces," she
said. "We have not been fooled by empty promises of reform and
engagement."
Jeremy Browne, a junior British Foreign Office minister,
said the resolution also sends "a clear message to the Syrian
regime that the brutal repression must stop and that those
responsible for the violence will be held to account for their
crimes."
PTI
