U.N. Security Council Unites Behind Annan

On Wednesday, the U.N. Security Council put aside its differences, agreeing on a draft resolution that demands Syria immediately implement Kofi Annan’s proposed six-point plan. The statement from the president, which carries less weight than an official resolution, gave a “veiled warning of future international action.”

The Security Council statement urged the Syrian government and opposition to work in good faith with Annan towards a peaceful settlement of the Syrian crisis and to implement fully and immediately his initial six-point proposal. According to the Associated Press, Annan will serve as a watch dog to the Syrian government, periodically updating the UNSC on progress made. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton applauded the statement, saying, “to President Assad and his regime, we say, along with the rest of the international community, take this path, commit to it, or face increasing pressure and isolation.”

The change in the positions of Russia and China, which vetoed an earlier resolution, came after Annan relayed to the council that Damascus’ response to his plan was “disappointing.” Annan’s proposal called for a halt to troop movements, an end to the use of heavy weapons, and for the opposition and government to hold talks. The opposition, in an attempt to unify, will meet in Turkey on March 26 to overcome their differences and to develop a coherent strategy.