Ending Assad regime is only way to bring peace to Syria

IF RUSSIA and China have a credible plan to stop the bloodshed in Syria, it is time to put it into action. By continuously vetoing United Nations security council attempts to put real pressure on Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, Russia and China give succour to an increasingly murderous dictator and effectively condone his continued slaughter of his people.

The latest resolution would have seen economic sanctions against Assad’s regime if his forces and heavy weapons were not withdrawn from populated areas within 10 days. The agreement of Russia, which is Assad’s most powerful backer, would have been particularly effective. Russia’s support for the Assad regime was critical in what started in March last year as a protest calling for the release of political prisoners, then escalated into widespread unrest after some demonstrators were shot, turning into a full blown civil war.

Assad embarked on his brutal crackdown safe in the knowledge Russia would continue to arm him. Only last month, he would have taken possession of a shipment of attack helicopters on their way back to Syria after being sent to Russia for repairs had Britain not insisted the British-based insurer withdraw its cover in line with European Union sanctions.

Russia opposed the latest resolution because it authorised sanctions under Chapter 7 of theUN Charter, which allows for military intervention to enforce security council demands. Russia insists that what goes on inside a sovereign country is its own business and is uneasy about the future of its only Mediterranean naval base, at the Syrian port of Tartus, should Assad fall.

Russia is also opposed to any resolution that singles out his regime, arguing that both sides are responsible for the fighting. Russia’s UNambassador Vitaly Churkin said the latest resolution was really aimed at securing Assad’s downfall, rather than finding a peaceful solution.

However, ending the Assad regime is now the only way to bring peace to Syria. After 17 months of bloodshed, the fighting has now reached into the very heart of his regime, with a bomb in the National Security building, on Wednesday, killing three of his top henchmen. On the same day, heavy fighting broke out in Syria’s capital, Damascus, and yesterday rebel forces reportedly seized border posts near Turkey and Iraq. The end appears to be near for Assad, yet still he unleashes his helicopters, tanks and missiles in a desperate attempt to cling to power.

So far, the killing has cost an estimated 17,000 lives. The slaughter will continue until Assad is toppled. Russia should be urging him to go immediately, not encouraging him to stay.