UN General Assembly Adopts Resolution on Syria, Deplores Failure of Security Council

Morocco World News

United Nations, New York, August 3, 2012

The United General Assembly adopted on Friday in New York a draft resolution presented by Saudi Arabia, in which it expressed grave grave concern” at the escalation of violence in Syria. The resolution received 133 votes in favor, 12 against and 31 abstentions.

While it condemned the Syrian government and demanded a political transition in Syria, the resolution also “deplores the failure of the Security Council to agree on measures to ensure the compliance of Syrian authorities with its decisions.”

Unlike the Security Council resolutions, especially those adopted under Chapter V of the UN Charter, the UN General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding.

Russia and China have cast a double-veto in the Security Council three times to prevent the adoption of resolutions that could have opened the door to sanctions on Syria, or even military intervention.