Assad
Sources in Libya have claimed that the downfall of former dictator Moammar Gadhafi was accelerated by the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, pictured. Reuters

As widely expected, Russia and China vetoed a Western-backed UN resolution threatening non-military sanctions against the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad.

Before the vote, both Beijing and Moscow indicated they would not support any moves by the U.N. Security Council to censure Assad.

This marks the third time that Russia and China have vetoed UN measures against Syria since the uprising erupted more than 16 months ago.

China is deeply worried about the rising tensions in Syria, said a statement from the Beijing foreign ministry.

China once again called on all related parties in Syria to cease fire immediately.

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