Rosenthal disappointed by veto

News article | February 6, 2012

Foreign minister Uri Rosenthal was disappointed to learn of the outcome of today’s vote in the UN Security Council on a resolution on Syria. ‘Faced with so much violence in Syria, the international community had a duty to act,’ said the minister. ‘This outcome is a terrible blow for the Syrian people. Assad has to step down.’

The Arab League had asked the Security Council for support from the international community for a political solution to the Syrian crisis, leading to a peaceful, democratic transition. Mr Rosenthal believes that this was the moment for all the Security Council member states to take responsibility. 

 The minister condemned the latest outburst of violence in Homs. He is gravely concerned about the situation and the regime’s continuing, bloody campaign of repression against its own people. Mr Rosenthal reiterated his call for an immediate end to the violence and for President Assad’s resignation. Until this happens, the Netherlands will continue to press for additional sanctions, which must strike at the heart of the Syrian regime.