The Latest: Sweden, Kuwait call for UN vote on Syria

Sweden and Kuwait are calling for a vote Thursday on a U.N. resolution ordering a 30-day cease-fire in Syria to enable the delivery of humanitarian aid to millions in acute need and the evacuation of the critically sick and wounded.

The Security Council resolution would exempt attacks directed at extremists from the Islamic State group, al-Qaida and the Nusra Front.

The proposed resolution expresses "outrage at the unacceptable levels of violence" and attacks on civilians, particularly in Idlib governorate and the rebel-held Damascus suburb of eastern Ghouta.

The U.N. human rights office said Wednesday that at least 346 people have been killed in eastern Ghouta since the Syrian government and its allies escalated an offensive on Feb. 4.

Russia, a key Syrian ally, has called for a Security Council meeting Thursday on eastern Ghouta.

Whether Russia uses its veto or abstains in a vote on the resolution remains to be seen.

Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said Wednesday that the council should be realistic, saying "Cessations cannot be established by putting a word in the resolution."

Source: Yahoo News