BEIRUT — Russia remained firm Wednesday in its pledge to veto any U.N. Security Council resolution that could open the door for international military intervention in Syria, as fighting raged anew in the troubled Middle East nation.
With diplomats attempting to craft a compromise, Moscow also continues to oppose any U.N. move that calls for Syrian President Bashar Assad to step down or would slap new economic penalties or an arms embargo on Damascus.
Behind Russia’s resolute stance is its longtime relationship with Assad and his family, who have run Syria for four decades, as well as a web of business and security interests, and deep discomfort in Moscow with the concept of foreign-mandated regime change.
U.N. action could help determine the future of Syria as it nears the one-year anniversary of a protest movement that was met by a bloody government crackdown and has since evolved into armed rebellion that could unleash a civil war.
A draft U.N. resolution circulating in New York would authorize unspecified “further measures” should Syria not comply with its terms — including a “political transition” in which Assad would cede power.
The Arab League and its Western allies, including Washington, are pushing the proposal. But Syria calls the scheme an affront on its sovereignty.
Violence continued to ravage Syria on Wednesday, with an opposition coalition, the Local Coordinating Committees, reporting at least 68 more deaths, more than half in clashes outside Damascus.
