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January 18, 2012

U.S., Russia Debate Syria Measure at Security Council 
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U.N. Security Council members continue to wrangle over a measure to
condemn the ongoing Syrian government crackdown on opposition
protesters. On Tuesday, Russia said it wants to ensure any proposed
measure does not authorize military intervention. The United States,
meanwhile said the Russian draft falls short of properly taking the
Syrian regime to task. Speaking at the White House after a meeting with
Jordan King Abdullah, President Obama renewed his call for Syrian
President Bashar al-Assad to step down.

President Obama: "Unfortunately, we're continuing to see unacceptable
levels of violence inside that country, and so we will continue to
consult very closely with Jordan to create the kind of international
pressure and environment that encourages the current Syrian regime to
step aside so that a more democratic process of transition can take
place inside of Syria."



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