India supports AL effort for peaceful end to Syrian crisis

United Nations, Feb 4: Voting in favour of the UNSC resolution that called on Syrian President Bashar Assad to step down, India today said it supported the effort of the Arab League for a peaceful resolution of the 11-month-old Syrian crisis.

"Our support for the Resolution is in accordance with our support for the efforts by the Arab League for a peaceful resolution of the crisis through a Syrian-led inclusive political process," said Hardeep Singh Puri, the Indian Ambassador to the UN.

Russia and China vetoed the Arab League-backed resolution aimed at putting pressure on Syria to end its crackdown on anti-government protests that has killed more than 200 people in one of the bloodiest episodes of the uprising against Assad's regime. This is the second time that Russia and China have carried out their double veto after the first one on October 5. India along with the US and 11 others backed the move.

France, Britain and Pakistan also voted in favor of the resolution. Explaining the reasons for India's position on Syria, Puri told the powerful 15-member body that New Delhi believes that the leadership of Syria is a matter for the Syrian people to decide.

"It would be necessary for all opposition forces in Syria to peacefully engage in constructive dialogue with the authorities. We hope that this will create a new environment for peace and facilitate a political process," he underlined. He said this political dialogue should build upon the "political reforms already announced by the Syrian leadership with necessary changes so that they find acceptance among all sections of Syrian society".

PTI