Russian embassy in Libya stormed over veto on Syria

Arizona Herald (IANS) Sunday 5th February, 2012

Dozens of Syrian protesters stormed the Russian embassy in Libyan capital Tripoli Sunday, a day after Russia and China blocked a UN resolution on the Syrian crisis.

According to witnesses, several dozens of protesters, condemning Russian and Chinese decisions to block the UN resolution, climbed onto the roof of the embassy and damaged a Russian flag.

"It was not the first protest near the embassy, but the previous ones were of a peaceful character," a witness said, adding that "this time people were very aggressive".

No one, including Russian diplomats, was injured in the attack, the Russian foreign ministry said.

"Libyan authorities have expressed their apologies and assured us that the incident will be thoroughly investigated and that the security will be provided to our diplomatic mission in Tripoli," the ministry said in a statement.

Veto-wielding UN Security Council members Russia and China Saturday blocked the draft resolution on Syria that called on President Bashar al-Assad to step down.

--IANS/RIA Novosti

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