This piece was reprinted by OpEd News with permission or license. It may not be reproduced in any form without permission or license from the source.
It ignored what Assad already accomplished. In February, Syrians overwhelmingly supported new constitutional provisions by national referendum. Despite opposition boycotts and violence, 89.4% of eligible voters approved it. Another 9% opposed, and 1.2% of ballots were declared invalid.
Among other reforms, political pluralism was established for the first time. So were presidential term limits and press freedom.
On May 7, first time ever parliamentary elections were held. It was a milestone political event. Independent candidates participated.
Turnout was high. Voting went smoothly. Independent monitors called the process open, free and fair. Ba'ath party members won a 60% majority. Opposition party members were also elected.
Demanding a repeat of what's accomplished responsibly is unconscionable. Thursday's resolution also called for implementing Annan's peace plan, withdrawing troops from populated areas, and effectively surrendering unilaterally.
Other provisions extended the UN Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS) another 45 days, made Syrian authorities responsible for "its full unimpeded, and immediate freedom of movement," allowed UN member states the right to provide "appropriate air transportation assets," and permitted "unobstructed communications."
Failure of Syrian compliance within 10 days called for implementing Chapter VII, Article 41. It triggers measures short of armed intervention.
They "may include complete or partial interruption of economic relations and of rail, sea, air, postal, telegraphic, radio, and other means of communication, and the severance of diplomatic relations."Provisions also called for "assess(ing) the implementation of this resolution and to consider further steps as appropriate."
Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
