Poland criticises China and Russia after UN Syria veto

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (c) attending a religious procession as part of celebrations to commemorate the birthday of Prophet Mohammed at al-Rawdha Mosque, in Damascus, Syria: photo - EPA

Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has said that after vetoing the resolution on the Syria crisis, Russia and China will have further bloodshed in the country “on their conscience”.

Poland's foreign minister told the 48th Munich Security Conference at the weekend that "it's disappointing that the two countries vetoed the resolution," as Syrian troops upped their attack on the city of Homs, a rebel stronghold.

Human rights groups claim more than 7,000 people have been killed by Syrian security forces since the uprising began nine months ago in what has become one of the bloodiest conflicts during the so-called Arab Spring.

“By blocking the resolution in the Security Council, China and Russia have taken further developments of the situation in Syria […] on their conscience,” Sikorski said.

US secretary of state Hilary Clinton also condemned the veto by China and Russia at the UN Security Council on Saturday, calling it “a travesty”.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov defended the veto, however, by saying that taking sides between government and rebels would only “prolong the conflict”.

Sikorski told delegates in Munich that he was against the call by Tunisia prime minister Hamadi Dżebali for ambassadors to pull out of Syria in protest.

“Diplomacy helps to ensure that communication channels are open. That is why I am not an advocate of sanctions involving the breaking of dialogue,” he said.

Heavy artillery fire was heard coming from the city of Homs on Monday with rebels saying that at least 15 people had been killed in the last 24 hours, the BBC reports.

Government forces have been using helicopters to attack rebel positions, including a field hospital in the Baba Amir district, claim rebels. (pg)