UN resolution on Syria will not bring peace, security: Iran envoy

TEHRAN, Feb.18 (MNA) – The Iranian ambassador to the United Nations said that the UN resolution condemning Syria will not help establish peace and security in the crisis-hit Arab country. Ambassador Mohammad Khazaii said that in a situation that all UN member states should try to find a comprehensive, effective, and viable solution to peacefully resolve the current crisis in Syria, such a resolution in its present form will not help achieve this goal. According to Reuters, the 193-nation UN General Assembly on Thursday overwhelmingly approved a resolution that endorses an Arab League plan calling for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step aside. The resolution, similar to one Russia and China vetoed in the Security Council on February 4, received 137 votes in favor, 12 against and 17 abstentions, although three countries said their votes failed to register on the electronic board. The Iranian ambassador also said that the resolution will prolong instability and unrest in Syria and, in turn, will lead to instability in the region. The escalation of violence in the region will benefit the Zionist regime and threaten the interests of Muslims and the Arab world, Khazaii stated. He said that it should be determined how armed groups in Syria have acquired sophisticated weapons and equipment, adding that UN member states are obligated to condemn violence and terrorism in all their forms and manifestations. Russia and China were among those opposing the resolution, which was drafted by Saudi Arabia and submitted by Egypt on behalf of Arab states. The resolution said the assembly “fully supports” the Arab League plan aimed at halting Syria’s 11-month crisis and urges UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to appoint a special envoy to Syria. It also calls for the withdrawal of Syrian forces from towns and cities. The United Nations says more than 5,400 civilians have been killed in the uprising. Syrian Ambassador Bashar Ja'afari rejected the resolution, telling the assembly it was part of a plot to overthrow Syria’s government and allow the “terrorist” opposition to take over the country. “We have deep concerns vis-a-vis the real intentions of the countries that have co-sponsored this draft, particularly that these countries are leading a political and media aggression against Syria,” he said. Those countries, Ja'afari said, are providing “all media, financial and political support to the armed terrorist groups and securing them coverage in international fora.” In a concluding statement, Ja'afari blasted what he called the Arab League’s “shameful position,” which he said was aimed at “the settling of political accounts with Syria.” “Good luck to the Arab League in implementing the tasks entrusted to it by Israel,” he said. “Congratulations for this new alliance between the League of Arab States and Israel and the historical enemies of Syria.” Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said the resolution “reflects the worrying trend ... to attempt to isolate the Syrian leadership, to reject any contact with it and to impose an external formula for a political settlement.” China’s official Xinhua news agency noted that it was understandable countries wanted to achieve a quick solution to the Syrian crisis, “and the appeals that violence should be stopped immediately should enjoy a strong support.” “However, one-sided pressure can’t help in seeking a proper settlement of the Syrian issue,” it wrote.