LEAD: Russia against new Syria resolution in UN special session

By Chris Melzer Jan 27, 2012, 23:08 GMT

New York - Compromise continued to elude the UN Security Council in a special session to consider a new draft resolution aimed at ending 11 months of violence in Syria late Friday.

Despite a clear majority on the 15-member panel for an European-Arabic draft resolution, Russia continued to oppose the move, according to diplomats.

With its veto power, Moscow can block any resolution in the council and has already used it, along with China, to protect Syria as its ally and important weapons customer from every form of criticism, for example in an October vote.

The situation in the Security Council was described as 'rather tense.'

In the special closed session, Morocco introduced a draft resolution that carried a German imprint. It closely followed a proposal by the Arab League from last weekend that calls for the current government to step down, for reforms, and for an end to the violence that has already claimed 5,400 lives.

In addition, the draft resolution calls for a weapons embargo against Syria.

According to diplomats, Russian ambassador Vitaly Churkin called the draft resolution 'disappointing.' He opposed a weapons embargo. Russia has just delivered fighter planes worth 564 million dollars to Damascus. In addition, the Russian Navy has a strategic base in Syria.

'The plan of the Arabic League is the only way to avoid the worst outcome,' French UN ambassador Gerard Araud said.

His colleague Peter Wittig, ambassador from Germany, also urged support for the Arabic League plan.

'The situation in Syria is horrible, and every day gets worse,' the diplomat said. He said there is a chance to overcome the split on the council, with the new impetus from the Arabic League.

Before the council convened Friday afetrnoon, Wittig was optimistic: 'This is the chance for a turning point.'

Diplomats said afterwards that the council agreed on one thing: to continue discussions on Monday at 2000 GMT, with input from experts.

The effort could be productive, western diplomats said. 'At least the Russians are not totally refusing.'

Backers of the new draft resolution are hoping that the presence of the Arabic League, whose representatives are to meet with the council on Monday or Tuesday, will bring more pressure on Russia and China to go along. But either country could still block a new attempt at a resolution.

The Arabic League's plan calls for Syrian President Bashir al-Assad to step down and for the creation of an interim national unity government in Damascus, which would be tasked with implementing an Arab plan to end the unrest.

The proposed government would include opposition leaders and be formed in two months' time.

'Another task of this government is to hold an election for a constituent assembly to draft a new constitution that will be voted on in a public referendum,' the league said a draft statement discussed by the ministers.

Read more about UN