U.N. Members Agree on Syria Disarmament [View all]

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Source: WSJournal

By JOE LAURIA

UNITED NATIONS—The five most powerful members of the United Nations Security Council agreed to a resolution that requires the Syrian government to surrender its chemical weapons, but in a concession to Russia makes no threat of enforcement.

The draft resolution, which was presented to the full Security Council on Thursday night, would implement a U.S.-Russian deal on the destruction of the Syrian arsenal by the middle of next year.

While the resolution adheres to Western demands that it legally bind Damascus to comply, it also bows to the Russians, who wanted no immediate threat of enforcement through sanctions or military action, diplomats said.

If Syria doesn't comply with the plan, under the terms discussed, the Security Council would meet to adopt a second resolution that would impose enforcement measures—but that could be vetoed by Moscow.

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