Security Council may vote on Syria resolution

October 4, 2011

Syrian opposition groups in Turkey plotted the creation of a National Council to topple President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

• A new draft resolution removes references to sanctions
• “Free Syria Army” is conducting guerilla raids to defend civilians, a spokesman says
• New clashes are reported Tuesday

(CNN) — The U.N. Security Council could vote as soon as Tuesday on a resolution calling on Syria to immediately halt its violent crackdown on opponents who have staged protests against the continued rule of Bashar al-Assad.

Meanwhile, a group of Syrian Army deserters who have organized under the banner of the “Free Syria Army” are asking the international community to support a “no fly” zone and a protected area for dissidents and deserters that would be beyond the reach of Syrian government aircraft and artillery, said Manhal al-Adday, a spokesman for the group.

At the United Nations, European nations backing the stalled resolution have again dialed back its wording, removing references to potential sanctions in favor of “targeted measures,” softer diplomatic language that sponsors hope will limit opposition from Russia and China. Russia, particularly, has expressed concerns about increased involvement in Syrian affairs.

A previous version directly referenced the council’s intention to implement sanctions if the Syrian government did not respond to calls to end the campaign within 15 days.

Under the current draft, the Security Council would not be obliged to take action against Syria even if it continues its crackdown unabated.