United Nations Security Council endorses Annan peace plan

BEIRUT, Lebanon — The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday passed a non-binding "presidential statement" endorsing the peace plan proposed by joint UN-Arab League envoy to Syria Kofi Annan, CNN reported. Russia and China, who have opposed efforts by other Security Council members to isolate Syria, voted for the statement, which passed unanimously.

The six-point plan calls for a ceasefire, political dialogue, the facilitation of humanitarian aid access, prisoner releases, and freedom of movement for foreign journalists.

It also calls on Damascus to commit to working with "an inclusive Syrian-led political process to address the legitimate aspirations and concerns of the Syrian people," Al Jazeera wrote.

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Voice of America reported, "The statement said Syria will face 'further steps' if Mr. Annan's six-point peace proposal is rejected." 

US Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice tweeted:

France had to modify the wording of the statement, "removing a section that would have required a review of progress on Annan's proposal in seven days. The government would have been threatened with "further measures" if sufficient progress was not deemed to have been made," Al Jazeera wrote.

The passed statement asks Annan to update the Security Council "regularly." 

Russia's foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, said the statement "reflects the reality in Syria and supports Annan's aims. We support it fully".