The UN General Assembly last night overwhelmingly voted for a resolution backing an Arab League plan calling for Syrian President Bashar Assad to step down.
Secretary General Ban Ki-moon accused the Syrian regime of committing 'almost certain' crimes against humanity as activists reported fresh violence and the arrest of prominent dissidents.
In the strongest condemnation of Assad so far, the resolution called for him to hand power to his vice president and immediately stop the bloody crackdown that has killed more than 5,400 people.
U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice said: 'Today, the UN General Assembly sent a clear message of the people of Syria: the world is with you.
'Assad has never been more isolated. A rapid transition to democracy in Syria has garnered the resounding support of the international community. Change must come now.'
137 Yes votes
12 No votes
Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, Belarus, Syria, Zimbabwe, Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia
17 Abstentions
Secretary General Ban Ki-moon accused the Syrian regime of committing 'almost certain' crimes against humanity as activists reported fresh violence and the arrest of prominent dissidents.
In the strongest condemnation of Assad so far, the resolution called for him to hand power to his vice president and immediately stop the bloody crackdown that has killed more than 5,400 people.
U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice said: 'Today, the UN General Assembly sent a clear message of the people of Syria: the world is with you.
'Assad has never been more isolated. A rapid transition to democracy in Syria has garnered the resounding support of the international community. Change must come now.'
137 Yes votes
12 No votes
Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, Belarus, Syria, Zimbabwe, Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia
17 Abstentions
