With a non-binding resolution UN condemns Assad and supports rebels
New York (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The UN General Assembly has condemned the regime in Damascus for the escalation of violence and recognized the Syrian National Coalition as "effective interlocutor for a future political transition," but not as the sole legitimate representative, going against the demands of the Arab League. The United Nations' meeting which ended yesterday evening, anticipates a meeting between Barack Obama, the U.S. president, and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan to be held today in Washington.
The resolution, considered by many as just "symbolic" and not binding, collected 107 votes in favor, 12 against and 59 abstentions. Votes were down compared to support for the approval of the previous text which took place on 3 August 2012, passed by 133 votes in favor, 12 against and 31 abstentions. Also on this occasion Russia and China voted against the measure, followed by Iran, Cuba, North Korea and Nicaragua. Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, India, Indonesia and several African countries (South Africa, Togo, Guinea) have instead abstained.
The text condemns "the continuing escalation" of attacks by the Syrian army and its "serious violations" of human rights, and calls on "all parties to cease all forms of violence, including acts of terrorism." The resolution calls on both parties to participate in a "political transition" according to the Geneva Declaration of 30 June 2012, which provides for a transitional government. The document does not address the fate of Bashar al-Assad and his possible expulsion from the country. Much attention was given to the "emergency financial support" for Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey, countries that for months have been welcoming hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing the war. The UN has also expressed its concern about the possible use of chemical weapons in the conflict, but although there are rumors of rebels being involved, nothing has been said about the actual use of arsenals on one side or the other.
As has happened on other occasions, the Assembly meeting has highlighted divisions within the international community, despite efforts in recent weeks by Russia and the United States to push rebels and the Assad regime to the negotiating table. Syrian delegate Bashar Jaafari, pointed to supporters of the resolution accusing them of "not wanting an agreement, but a regime change" in Damascus. Alexander Pankin, the Russian representative to the United Nations also expressed his opposition. He described the text as "biased", pointing out that it encourages the opposition to fight, undermining attempts at mediation. Rosemary Charles (United States), Gerard Araud (France) instead argue in favour of the document and, in contrast to Moscow, claim it "will help the rebels to move towards dialogue".
The Syrian conflict
that first began in the wake of the Arab Spring of 2011, has now evolved into a
sectarian civil war between the Sunni Muslim majority of the population (65%)
and the minority Alawite led by President Bashar al-Assad. According to many
analysts and political leaders, including the same Mu'adh al-Khatib, the
outgoing president of the National Syrian Coalition the confrontation is fueled
by the influence of foreign countries, who by sending weapons to both parties prolong
the conflict, which has so far cost at least 80 thousand lives.
These divisions, fueled by the entry of Islamist terrorist militias, are likely
to fragment Syria into small religious enclaves. The climate of tension is now
spilling over the border, emerging into neighboring Lebanon, which in recent months
has welcomed almost one million Syrian refugees. For decades, the country and
the current coalition government suffer from the opposing influence of the
Shiite movement Hezbollah and Sunni parties of the March 14 coalition led by
Saad Hariri. The former are considered the most faithful allies of Damascus,
while the latter support the rebels, largely funded by the Gulf countries.
Since March, the city of Tripoli (North Lebanon) and Sidon (South Lebanon) and
some neighborhoods in Beirut are plagued by constant clashes between the
various factions which has already cost dozens of lives.
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