UNITED NATIONS
Despite opposition from Russia and China, western powers are pushing forward with a proposal that would allow the United Nations Security Council unrestricted humanitarian access to besieged parts of Syria.
U.S. President Barack Obama said Russia is a 'holdout' and French President Francois Hollande said France was determined to move forward with the proposal at a joint press conference in Washington on Tuesday.
Veto holding countries, Russia and China did not turn up for a UN Security Council meeting on Monday, which was held to discuss a proposal to allow unfettered humanitarian access to Syria, and included the threat of sanctions on those who obstructed the delivery of aid.
Russia's representative, Vitaly Churkin said that the proposal was not timely as it may damage the Geneva II talks, which resumed on Monday.
Without the support of Russia and China the bill cannot be passed, as both countries hold a veto on the Security Council.
The Syrian National Coalition (SNC) asked for support for the proposal in a written statement: "Russia has a moral responsibility not to veto the proposal. Any veto by Russia will come to mean that it is supportive of a dictator who wages a war against his people who want freedom and democracy."
The New York Times published a letter addressing Russian President Vladimir Putin underlining the crisis in Syria and asking for support for the proposal. The letter was signed by 51 popular figures including diplomats, artists, religious figures and politicians.
French permanent representative to the Security Council, Gerard Araud, said that France supports the proposal, but was not sure where the negotiations would go.
Russia and China have already vetoed three previous resolutions on Syria.
More than 100,000 people have died and almost over nine million have been displaced since civil war broke out in Syria almost three years ago.
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