United Nations The UN Security Council embarked on new talks on a Syria resolution on Friday with western envoys saying the killing of more than 200 people highlighted the need for tough measures.
In the first US reaction to what has been widely reported as a massacre, Washington’s ambassador Susan Rice said reports coming out of the village of Treimsa were “nightmarish”.
She said the killings “dramatically illustrate the need for binding (Security Council) measures on Syria.”
France also said the killings reinforced the need for sanctions. “Stiffened resolve must now be shown with the threat of sanctions from the Security Council. The time has come for everyone to assume their responsibilities,” French foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero said.
Diplomats from the 15-nation council met on Friday and ambassadors were to hold their own talks later in the day. They have so far failed to narrow differences over rival resolutions proposed by Russia and the western powers.
Peace envoy Kofi Annan said he was “shocked and appalled” at reports that tanks and helicopters slaughtered more than 200 during a massacre in a village. UN observers are ready to go to Tremseh and “seek verification of the facts, if and when circumstances permit,” Annan said.
Major-General Robert Mood, commander of the UN observer mission in Syria, said his team verified fighting in Tremseh that involved mechanized units and helicopters,
