UN Security Council approves Russian initiative on Syria

The UN Security Council has approved the Russian initiative on a new resolution on Syria, Russian representative to the council Vitaly Churkin said, RIA Novosti reports.

Russia proposed a halt to the violence in Syria, which has resulted in 5,000 people killed in 9 months, according to the UN. The Russian resolution project has no sanctions.

The resolution text demands all sides to the conflict to stop the violence, the government to stop persecuting citizens. The resolution also demands an investigation of anti-government protests.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said earlier that the US would want to discuss the project with Syria despite their differences.

Russia and China blocked the resolution of the UN Security Council proposed by France, UK, Germany and Portugal on October 4. The project demanded the Syrian government to stop suppressing opposition and included sanctions.

The main disagreement with Syria and the Arab League is in presence of Arab observers. Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem sent a letter to the Arab League confirming readiness to sign a protocol on observers.