Britain labels China and Russia veto on Syria "inexcusable"

Feb 6, 2012, 12:57 GMT

London - Britain condemned as 'inexcusable' the decision by China and Russia to veto a United Nations (UN) resolution on Syria and indicated Monday that it would focus on 'alternative courses of action' to end the bloodshed.

'Clearly there is a tragedy unfolding in that country. Russia and China are protecting a regime which is killing thousands of people. We find their position both incomprehensible and inexcusable,' a spokesman for Prime Minister David Cameron said.

He indicated that the British government would now concentrate on 'alternative' action - such as European Union (EU) sanctions against Damascus.

It would also 'work with other countries, both internationally and in the region, to support the Arab League plan' on which the defeated resolution was largely based, added the spokesman.

Downing Street stressed that, in its view, Russia and China were now increasingly isolated in the Security Council, being the only members to reject the latest resolution.

Foreign Secretary William Hague was expected to make a statement to parliament in London later Monday, amid speculation that Britain could consider severing diplomatic ties with Damascus.

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