Anger after Russia, China block U.N. action on Syria

02-05-2012 • www.reuters.com

(Reuters) - Western and Arab states voiced outrage Sunday after Russia and China vetoed a U.N. resolution that would have backed an Arab plan urging Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to give up power, and Washington vowed harsher sanctions against Damascus.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called the veto a "travesty." It came a day after activists say Syrian forces bombarded a district of Homs, killing more than 200 people in the worst night of bloodshed of the 11-month uprising.

Russia said the resolution was biased and would have meant taking sides in a civil war. Syria is Moscow's only big ally in the Middle East, home to a Russian naval base and customer for its arms. China's veto appeared to follow Russia's lead.

Washington's U.N. ambassador Susan Rice said she was "disgusted" by Russia and China's vetoes Saturday, and "any further bloodshed that flows will be on their hands."