M A I N   N E W S

India justifies UN vote on Syria
Ashok Tuteja/TNS

New Delhi, February 5
India justified its backing of the UN resolution on Syria that called on President Bashar Assad to step down, saying its decision was in accordance with its support for the efforts by the Arab League for a peaceful resolution of the crisis through a Syria-led inclusive political process.

''We believe that the leadership of Syria is a matter for the Syrian people to decide. It would be necessary for all opposition forces in Syria to peacefully engage in a constructive dialogue with the authorities. We hope this will create a new environment for peace and facilitate a political process. This political dialogue should build upon the political reforms already announced by the Syrian leadership with necessary changes so that they find acceptance among all sections of Syrian society,'' India's representative to the UN Hardeep Singh Puri said in an explanatory note.

The Arab League-backed resolution, which was aimed at putting pressure on Syria to end its 11-month crackdown on anti-government protests, was vetoed by Russia and China.

The US, France, Britain and Pakistan were among others who voted in favour of the resolution. The change in India's position on Syria appears to have been prompted by a sharp increase in violence in the Arab nation. New Delhi is hoping that the situation would not deteriorate further.

Observing that prolonged instability and unrest in Syria had implications for peace and stability in the Middle East, Puri said India was concerned with the present situation that has resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians and security forces personnel over the last 10 months.

''Since the beginning of the protest, we have called for a peaceful and inclusive political process to address the grievances of all sections of Syrian society,'' Puri stated.

He said India strongly condemns all violence, irrespective of whoever the perpetrators are. “We also condemn all violations of human rights. India holds the rights of expression and peaceful assembly among the fundamental values that should be respected, while ensuring stability and security of the society,” he asserted.

India has conveyed this message to the Syrian leadership, both bilaterally and along with its IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) partners.

''We have impressed upon the Syrian side to abjure violence and pay heed to the aspirations of the people of Syria,'' Puri further said.

The Indian envoy said New Delhi was firmly of the view that a political process for resolution of the present crisis should be led by the Syrians themselves.

''We believe that the main role of the international community, including the Security Council, was to facilitate engagement of the Syrian government with all sections of the Syrian society for an inclusive political process, taking into account the legitimate aspirations of all Syrians while ensuring respect for the country's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity,'' Puri stated.

He said the League of Arab States, as an important regional organisation, should play its required and historic role in promoting political dialogue among the Syrian parties.