EU nations drop Syria sanctions call

Western powers have dropped calls for immediate United Nations sanctions against the government of Syria.

Instead, European countries backed by the United States, on Tuesday proposed a new U.N. draft resolution that threatens sanctions if the crackdown on protests is not stopped.

The modified version – drawn up by Britain, France, Germany and Portugal – is aimed at winning the support of China and Russia, who both oppose sanctions and threatened a veto in the Security Council.

Emerging powers including India, South Africa, and Brazil also oppose sanctions.

A vote on the new draft resolution is planned by the end of the week.

The BBC said Nato's actions in Libya have hardened the stance of those opposing sanctions on Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and his inner circle.

Critics say Nato has overstepped its U.N. mandate to protect civilians in Libya.

Europe’s new position comes as activists accuse Syrian security forces of killing at least nine civilians on Tuesday.

Agence France Presse said six people reportedly died in the central city of Homs, two more in the north-western city of Idlib and another in the southern Daraa province.