Putin warns against bypassing UNSC Syria veto

Moscow, July 20 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russian President Vladimir Putin opposes any action related to Syria not authorised by the UN Security Council, his spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday.

"In the Russian president's opinion, any attempt to act without the Security Council's approval will be inefficient and will undermine the authority of this international organisation," the spokesman said.

After Russia and China vetoed the Western-backed UN Security Council resolution, American ambassador to the UN Susan Rice said the US and its partners "have no choice but to look to partnerships and actions outside of this council to protect the Syrian people".

Putin met members of Russia's Security Council delegation Friday to discuss the latest developments on Syria, including the veto.

"Members of Russia's Security Council stressed that attempts to link the aggravating situation in Syria to Russia's stance were inappropriate and inadmissible," Peskov said.

--IANS/RIA Novosti

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