BICOM

The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a resolution that condemned on Thursday the violence of the Syrian regime against its citizens, attesting to the regime’s international isolation.

British Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant said Thursday’s vote “sent a clear signal of the international community’s condemnation of the Syrian regime’s actions and intention to hold to account those responsible for the ongoing atrocities.”

The resolution, similar to one Russia and China vetoed in the Security Council on 4 February, received 137 votes in favor, 12 against and 17 abstentions, although three countries said their votes failed to register on the electronic board. Iran, North Korea, Venezuela and Bolivia were among other countries that voted against the resolution, which was drafted by Saudi Arabia and submitted by Egypt on behalf of Arab states. Unlike in the Security Council, there are no vetoes in the General Assembly, but its decisions lack the legal force and potency of council resolutions.

The resolution stated that the assembly “fully supports” the Arab League plan aimed at halting Syria’s 11-month violent crackdown on anti-Assad protesters and urges UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to appoint a special envoy to Syria. It also condemns Damascus for “widespread and systematic violations of human rights” and 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.