UN Security Council votes to expand Syrian mission
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Five UN truce monitors ventured yesterday into one of the hardest-hit strongholds of the Syrian uprising and were thronged by residents clamouring for foreign military aid to oust President Bashar Assad.
Late in the day, the UN Security Council voted to expand the observer mission to 300 and renewed a call for an immediate halt to violence. The resolution gives Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon authority to decide when to deploy more observers, based on developments including "the consolidation of the ceasefire".
Mr Ban has accused Mr Assad of failing to honour the truce.
The truce and observer mission are part of special envoy Kofi Annan's plan for ending 13 months of violence and starting talks between the President and those trying to oust him. Syria's opposition and its Western supporters suspect Mr Assad is paying lip service to the plan, as full compliance, including pulling troops off the streets and allowing peaceful protests, could quickly sweep him from power.
So far, the regime has continued attacking opposition strongholds, though on a smaller scale than before the truce deadline. State-run Syria media also have reported rebel ambushes and roadside bombs targeting troops.
Despite the violations, the international community sees Mr Annan's plan as the only option. Russia and China have shielded Syria, Western powers oppose military intervention, and Gulf countries have failed to keep promises of funding rebels.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments