CathNews New Zealand

Syrian media have ignored so far a Russian proposal for a new resolution at the United Nations Security Council to find a solution to the country’s crisis. But the three patriarchs of Antioch (Syriac Orthodox, Melkite Greek Catholic and Greek Orthodox), whose sees are in Damascus, and the Assembly of the Catholic hierarchy in Syria have expressed, in identical terms, their deep concern for the situation in Syria.

Russia has circulated a UN Security Council resolution aimed at resolving the crisis in Syria, in a move that surprised Western nations. The draft proposal condemns violence by Syria’s government and the opposition, but does not mention sanctions.

Western diplomats said the proposal was not tough enough but that they were prepared to work on the document. The latter includes a new reference to “disproportionate use of force by Syrian authorities” and urges the Syrian government to put an end to suppression of those exercising their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association”.

Syrian media have ignored so far a Russian proposal for a new resolution at the United Nations Security Council to find a solution to the country’s crisis. But the three patriarchs of Antioch (Syriac Orthodox, Melkite Greek Catholic and Greek Orthodox), whose sees are in Damascus, and the Assembly of the Catholic hierarchy in Syria have expressed, in identical terms, their deep concern for the situation in Syria.