BY ALEJANDRA GUARNEROS — A protest that began about 10 months ago is developing into a civil war. For this reason, the United Nations’ Security Council has been meeting with diplomats from around the world to agree upon a proposal that would ease tensions in the country and ultimately create a democracy. Syria is at the center of this controversy. While most of the countries present support the deal, Russia remains completely opposed because the proposals call for Syrian President Bashar Assad to cede power. Russia currently maintains a close relationship with Syria, because Syria purchases billions of dollars worth of Russian arms. Los Angeles Times
The last proposal was struck down by Russia and China in a 13 to 2 vote. Russia had promised to veto any resolution that would call for Assad’s, Syrian president, cession of power. In an effort to reach an agreement, several provisions as regards Assad’s cession of power and military intervention were dropped. Nonetheless, Russia and China vetoed the resolution. They stated that they vetoed the resolution because it “unfairly blamed only the Syrian government for the violence.” New York Times
According to the UN Charter what can the Security Council do?
There have been many fatalities from the upheaval that plagues Syria. The United Nations has confronted Syria’s current state with an effort to reach an agreement. As per the United Nations’ Charter Chapter VII, Article 39 “The Security Council shall determine the existence of any threat to the peace, breach of the peace, or act of aggression and shall make recommendation, or decide what measures shall be taken…”
Furthermore, if a proposal is approved in the future, and Syria still fails to comply with the proposal set by the United Nations, then other measures would be taken. According the United Nations’ Charter Chapter VII, Article 41, “[t]he Security Council may decide what measures not involving the use of armed force are to be employed to give to its decisions, and it may call upon the Members of the United Nations to apply such measures….”
Syria and The United Nation’s Proposal
If noncompliance continues after efforts are made pursuant to Articles 39 and/or 41 of the United Nations’ Charter, then Article 42 may apply. Article 42 states, “[the Security Council], may take such action by air, sea, or land forces as may be necessary to maintain or restore international peace and security.”
Currently, tensions in Syria continue.
