NEW YORK // Syria was under growing international pressure to halt its crackdown on protesters on Wednesday after UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon and Western members of the Security Council called for an end to the violence.
The council's European members were pushing for the 15-nation body to adopt a statement condemning attacks on Syrian demonstrators, but are expected to face opposition from Russia, China and Lebanon at a meeting later on Wednesday.
The United States ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice, called the violence against Syrian civilians "abhorrent and deplorable" on Tuesday night and said Washington was considering a fresh round of unilateral sanctions against Damascus.
She compared Syrian suppression to the tactics employed by its neighbour and ally, Iran, detailing "evidence of active Iranian involvement and support on behalf of the Syrian government and its repression of its people".
Speaking after Tuesdays's violence in Syria that raised the death toll to more than 350, Mr Ban said: "I condemn, utterly, the continuing violence" and criticised the use of "tanks and live fire" on crowds.
Council members were to meet later on Wednesday to discuss a draft statement from France, Germany, Portugal and Britain that calls on Syrian President Bashar al Assad to exercise restraint and prosecute those behind the violence.
But such a statement requires agreement from all council members, and they face opposition from Russia and China, who view the protests as an internal matter that should be handled by Syria's security forces.
China's ambassador to the UN, Li Baodong, called for a "political solution" to end the crisis. Lebanon, the only Arab country on the Security Council, is deeply intertwined with Syrian politics and is expected to oppose council action, diplomats said.
After weeks of exceptional activity in which the Security Council has authorised military interventions in Libya and Ivory Coast, the UN's top body is starting to show signs of inertia now faced with the uprisings in Syria and Yemen.
Russia has said the western-led coalition launching air raids on Libya is overstepping the mandate to protect civilians and has expressed concerns about authorising more Middle East actions.
After a council meeting late on Tuesday, Syria's UN ambassador, Bashar Ja'afari, defended his government's record and said the UN body "shouldn't rely on media reports". Armed groups have infiltrated the protesters, and have shot and killed "dozens and dozens of security officers" who have the right to defend themselves, he said.
"We want the unrest to end. We, too, we regret that there have been some casualties among the civilians," Mr Ja'afari said. "Unlike other leaders, President Assad is a reformer himself and he should be given the chance to fulfil his mission."
Salil Shetty, head of the pressure group Amnesty International, said Syria's government was using violence to "shatter the will" of protesters and urged the Security Council to refer atrocities to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
"President Assad and those around him have to understand that their actions will have consequences, namely that if they gun down their own citizens the international community will hold them individually criminally responsible before the ICC or national courts of states exercising universal jurisdiction," she said.
jreinl@thenational.ae
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Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
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VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
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Size: 300 employees
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UAE group fixtures (all in St Kitts)
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UAE squad:
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Inter Milan v Juventus
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Name: Grubtech
Founders: Mohamed Al Fayed and Mohammed Hammedi
Launched: October 2019
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Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?
Some facts about bees:
The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer
The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days
A queen bee lives for 3-5 years
This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony
About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive
Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.
Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen
Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids
Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments
Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive, protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts
Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain
Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities
The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes
Is beekeeping dangerous?
As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.
“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”
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