UN General Assembly passes resolution on Syria, India abstains; UN Security Council condemns attacks in Turkish-Syrian border and Benghazi; UNSC condemns temporary detention of peacekeepers in Golan Heights; Indian Police Unit in DRC receives UN Peacekeep
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    • According to reports, an Arab-backed resolution calling for a political transition in Syria was approved by the UN General Assembly by a vote of 107-12 with 59 abstentions. The resolution welcomes the establishment of the Syrian National Coalition “as effective interlocutors needed for a political transition”. While the United States said that the resolution would promote a political solution, Russia voted against the resolution, saying that it was “counterproductive and irresponsible” to promote a one-sided resolution. India joined 58 other countries that abstained on the resolution. 1 The Indian Ambassador to the UN, Asoke Kumar Mukerji cautioned the members of the General Assembly that unilateral action of any kind would not resolve the crisis. India added that the legitimate representative of the Syrian people can be determined only by the Syrian people and not the Assembly. 2

    In another development, according to reports, the UN Security Council condemned attacks near the Turkish-Syrian border that killed at least 46 people. The Council expressed its condolences to the families of those killed in the attack and reiterated that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. 3 Meanwhile, the Council also condemned attacks in the city of Benghazi and stressed the support of the international community to Libya’s democratic transition. It urged the authorities to bring the perpetrators of “reprehensible acts of terrorism” to justice. 4

    In other developments, according to reports, the UN Security Council condemned the looting of a UN observation post in the Golan Heights and the temporary detention of three peacekeepers from UNTSO’s Observer Group Golan for several hours. 5

    Reports noted that an 135 Indian Formed Police Unit in the Democratic Republic of Congo was honoured with the UN Peacekeeping Medal for its “high level of commitment” towards fighting criminals and maintaining peace in Goma/ North Kivu. The Indian unit has served in the country since 2005. 6

    Meanwhile, reports noted that an initiative introduced by the district administration of Dhanbad called Swavalamban bagged the prestigious UN Public Service Award -2013. The initiative was selected for improving the delivery of public service in the Dhanbad. 7

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