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Journalism of Courage
While India voted in favour of a resolution at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) demanding a stop to all violence in Syria,which was later vetoed by Russia and China,it lobbied to drop a contentious clause seeking automatic measures by the international community in case of non-compliance.
Besides,sources said,contrary to perception that New Delhi voted in favour of a regime change in Syria,an explicit reference to stepping down of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was dropped after India,among others,raised objection. In fact,India ensured that several stringent clauses in the resolution were diluted.
Unlike the vote on Libya,the resolution on Syria did not make any references to states taking any necessary measures to act against the country unless it adhered. In case Syria did not act in 21 days,all the UNSC was to do was to meet again to consider action, sources said of the resolution that was later vetoed.
Indias insistence on a Syrian-led reconciliation process led to the reference to automatic measures in case of non-compliance being specifically dropped.
Our support for the resolution is in accordance with our support for the efforts by the Arab League for a peaceful resolution of the crisis through a Syrian-led inclusive political process… we believe that the leadership of Syria is a matter for the Syrian people to decide, Indias Permanent Representative to the UN,Hardeep Puri,told the Security Council during the debate.
