Clinton: UN Must Send 'Clear Message' to Syria

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton told the Security Council today that UN action to end the violence in Syria would be different from the NATO-led efforts in Libya that resulted in the ouster of Moammar Gadhafi. "I know that some members here may be concerned that the Security Council is headed toward another Libya," she said. "That is a false analogy." Her remarks were apparently directed at Russia, which says it worries that a draft measure aimed at Syria, currently before the council, could lead to military action and regime change.

"It is time for the international community to put aside our own differences and send a clear message of support to the people of Syria," Clinton said. Her comments followed a rare call by the Arab League to condemn violence in a fellow Arab country, and adopt its peace plan calling on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step aside. In his response, Syria ambassador Bashar Ja'afari lashed out at the league. "How strange it is for us to see some members of the League of Arab States seeking the support of the Security Council against Syria," Ja'afari said. He noted that the Security Council often has voted in support of Israel against Arab-backed measures. (More Syria stories.)