UN Security Council to discuss Syrian aid crisis

The UN Security Council is scheduled to meet later on Thursday to discuss the crisis in Syria. As the country’s civil strife intensifies, consensus over strong action continues to elude the 15-member council. Russia and China have blocked three different draft resolutions criticizing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and threatening sanctions. France, which is council president for August, convened this [Thursday] afternoon's meeting in the hope that the body might find a way effectively to address the humanitarian crisis that prolonged fighting has provoked. The meeting will also be attended by ministers from Syria's neighbours Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, all of which have welcomed Syrian refugees. The Apostolic Nuncio to Syria, Archbishop Mario Zenari told Vatican Radio the international community has much to do in and for Syria. “The international community must be present,” said Archbishop Zenari, citing the need for thorough investigation into the massacres and other crimes and basic rights violations that, he said, “have wounded not just Syria, but all humanity.” The Apostolic Nuncio to Syria also called the international community, “to [increased] commitment to quieting the arms,” and guaranteeing fundamental rights, especially freedom of speech, which he described as necessary to real dialogue. Listen: