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US accuses Russia for making excuses for Syrian regime

NEW YORK, Feb 24 (KUNA) -- The US accused Russia today of "babysitting and making excuses" for the Syrian regime, as Washington and allies were drafting a resolution on sanctions on the government in Damascus.
As talks between Syrian government and opposition were held in Geneva, the UN Security Council held closed consultations on the Use of Chemical Weapons in Syria, with intentions to put a US, UK and France-drafted resolution on Syria sanctions to vote soon.
US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley told the press after the consultations people have died by being suffocated to death. "That's barbaric," she added.
With all the evidence given that chemical weapons have been used against Syrians, the US Ambassador affirmed that the "timing" is right to propose the resolution whether people are going to veto it or not. "You are either for chemical weapons or you're against it. People died because of this, and the United States isn't going to be quiet," she added.
On his part, French Ambassador Francois Delattre also spoke to the press, stressing the scale of threats to peace and security is very high.
"That's why we consider that the time has come to move forward," he said.
The French diplomat urged the Security Council to take its responsibilities. "We've been working on the text for months. No stone has been left unturned; nobody is taken by surprise here," he added.
With news that Russia will veto the resolution one more time on this issue, Delattre assured that his country will continue to push for it until the last moment, whether they get unanimous vote or not.
"If the Security Council is not able to unite on such a vital, literally vital question of proliferation and use of weapons of mass destruction against civilian population, then what?" he asked. (end) mao.bs