UN powers clash over Syria strife

UNITED NATIONS, Apr 28 (AFP): The UN Security Council powers clashed Wednesday over Syria's deadly crackdown on opposition protests, with Russia warning the West that 'outside interference' could spark civil war. A stormy Security Council meeting on Syria, coming only days after the 15-nation body failed to agree a statement on Yemen, highlighted a growing divide on how to handle the uprisings in the Middle East and Arab world. The Security Council will debate the latest events in Libya Thursday. France called for 'strong measures' against Syria if President Bashar al-Assad rejects appeals to end violence in which hundreds have died. The United States said Assad must 'change course now' and end the use of tanks and guns. Western nations demanded an open meeting of the Security Council after Russia and China blocked a proposed statement condemning the Syria violence. Protesters who began with demands for greater freedom "are now increasingly calling for the downfall of the regime" echoing slogans heard in other Arab nations, B. Lynn Pascoe, UN under secretary general for political affairs, told ambassadors. Highlighting the "increasingly violent repression" and "siege-like conditions" in Deraa and other cities, he estimated a death toll of between 350 and 400 people since mid-March. Rights groups say at least 450 people have been killed. After blocking the council statement on Syria, Russia, a close ally of the Assad government, insisted the crackdown was not a threat to international peace which would justify UN action. "A real threat to regional security could come from outside interference in Syria's domestic situation," said Russia's deputy ambassador Alexander Pankin. He warned the international community against "taking sides" in Syria and other Arab countries. "Such approaches lead to a never ending circle of violence. This is a type of invitation to civil war," Pankin said. China's envoy Li Baodong also called for "constructive help" for Syria. Turbulence in the Arab countries hit by uprisings has "dealt a big blow to the stability in the whole region," he said. "If these issues are not addressed appropriately they will jeopardize peace and stability in other regions."