The Latest: Russia’s amended Syrian UN resolution circulated

BEIRUT — The Latest on Syria related developments (all times local):

2:10 a.m.

Russia’s amended U.N. resolution would rule out an immediate 30-day cease-fire in Syria to deliver aid and evacuate the critically ill proposed by Sweden and Kuwait and backed by most of the U.N. Security Council.

Instead, the Russian draft circulated Thursday to the U.N. Security Council demands that all parties “stop hostilities as soon as possible” and “work for an immediate and unconditional de-escalation of violence” and “humanitarian pause” for at least 30 days.

It would also condemn the “relentless shelling” of Damascus from the rebel-held suburbs of eastern Ghouta, and deplore “the ongoing attempts by terrorist groups to retake areas and attack civilians and civilian objects.”

In a provision that appears aimed at U.S.-backed forces fighting against the Islamic State extremist group and al-Qaida affiliate, the Russian draft also stresses that “foreign military forces can operate in Syria only in coordination with official authorities.”

Source: washingtonpost