New resolution proposed in U.N.

 UNITED NATIONS – Key U.N. Security Council members began discussing a possible new resolution Tuesday that demands an end to the violence in Syria, first by government forces and then by opposition fighters, in hopes of overcoming opposition from Russia and China.

 Russia and China have vetoed two previous council resolutions, saying they were unbalanced and only demanded that the government stop attacks, not the opposition.

 The new draft resolution, proposed by the United States, tries to take a more balanced approach in an effort to get Russia and China on board, but it was unclear if the new language would be sufficient to satisfy them.

 It was discussed behind closed doors by the five permanent council members – the U.S., Russia, China, Britain and France – along with Morocco, the Arab representative on the council.

 U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice appeared downbeat as she left the meeting, telling reporters: “I don’t think you should expect anything specific.”

Associated Press