A resolution against the regime in Damascus was opposed by Russia and China, who vetoed it in the Security Council. This brought criticism from the United States, Western Europe and the Arab world and prompted a strong condemnation from UK Foreign Secretary William Hague: ”We regard the veto as a grave error of judgment by the Governments of China and Russia. (..) Russia and China have twice vetoed reasonable and necessary action by the United Nations Security Council. Such vetoes are a betrayal of the Syrian people. In deploying them, China and Russia have let down the Arab League, increased the likelihood of what they wish to avoid in Syria—civil war—and placed themselves on the wrong side of Arab and international opinion.

Mr. Hague promised involvement from the UK in forming an international coalition to support Syria, aimed at increasing economic and diplomatic pressure on the regime in Damascus, but with no military support, as opposed to Libya’d case. Several European countries have recalled their ambassadors from Syria in order to denounce violence against civilians. Meanwhile, a new set of European sanctions against the al-Assad regime is being developed. Monarchies in the Gulf decided to expel Syrian ambassadors and to withdraw diplomatic mission chiefs from Damascus. EU spokesman Michael Mann underlined that the EU, as an international body, has no intention to recall its delegation chief from Syria. He said the need for representation in Damascus is based on the need for uncensored information.

The United States announced closing its embassy in Syria on account of security-related issues, and expressed skepticism regarding the promises made by Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, demanding an immediate end to violence. The Romanian Foreign Ministry reiterated its recommendation that Romanian citizens currently in Syria should leave the country as soon as possible.