U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Susan E. Rice today said the United States welcomes today’s decision by the UN Human Rights Council to launch an independent investigation into the gross human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime in Syria.
“With today’s resolution, which the United States supported alongside 32 countries from every region of the world, the chorus of international condemnation against the Syrian regime has grown louder and more unified.” -Ms. Rice
She said yesterday’s attacks on protestors after a visit by UN humanitarians should only further unite the world against the regime’s brazen crackdown.
Ms. Rice undercored that the United States has long insisted that President Assad lead a democratic transition or get out of the way. She noted President Assad has refused to lead responsibly and now must go.
“We have reinforced this message by applying international pressure and targeted sanctions to ensure that his regime feels the consequences of its extreme brutality.” -Ms. Rice
She pointed out that the U.S. government will pursue additional action in the Security Council to increase pressure on the regime. She called on the Syrian government to allow the commission of inquiry to fulfill its mandate.
“We stand with the people of Syria, who are demanding a government that represents their will and respects their universal human rights.” -Ms. Rice
