Russia and China Veto Sanctions Against Regime

Russia and China vetoed a Western-backed UN resolution, threatening sanctions against the Syrian regime.

The 11 to 2 vote, with abstentions from South Africa and Pakistan, was the third double veto.

The vote also leaves in limbo the future of the 300-strong UN observer mission in Syria.

Syrian envoy Kofi Annan had requested a delay and appealed to the Security council to bring a new resolution.

Moscow wouldn't budge and the West insisted on including the threat of non-military sanctions.

This could eventually open the door to the use of military force.

Meanwhile, the former army chief of staff was sworn in as the new Defense minister, by President Bashar Assad.

General Fahd Jassem al-Freij took the oath of office and then spent some time talking with the president.