Russia, China Boycott UN Council Talks On Syria

Russia and China boycotted UN Security Council talks on a draft resolution condemning Syria's deadly crackdown on opposition protests, diplomats said Monday.

European powers stepped up their campaigning meanwhile for the resolution with one top envoy saying the delay in Security Council action has cost hundreds of lives in Syria.

Russia and China strongly oppose UN action against President Bashar al-Assad and could veto any resolution. "They knew about Saturday's talks but they chose not to turn up," said a council diplomat.