India's vote in favour of an Arab League-backed resolution on Syria in the UN security council was in accordance with its support for a peaceful resolution of the crisis in that country through a Syrian-led inclusive political process.
Noting that the resolution calls for serious
political dialogue between the Syrian government and the whole spectrum of the opposition, India said it believes that the "leadership of Syria is a matter for the Syrian people to decide."
"It would be necessary for all opposition forces in Syria to peacefully engage in constructive dialogue with the authorities. We hope that this will create a new environment for peace and facilitate a political process.
"This political dialogue should build upon the political reforms already announced by the Syrian leadership with necessary changes so that they find acceptance among all sections of Syrian society," India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Hardeep Singh Puri, told the 15-member security council while explaining the reasons for India's position.
Russia and China last night vetoed the resolution that demanded that all parties in Syria -- both government forces and armed opposition groups -- stop all violence and reprisals.
The resolution had asked Syria to immediately cease all violence and protect its population, release all persons detained arbitrarily, withdraw all military and armed forces from cities and towns and guarantee the freedom to hold peaceful demonstrations.
It had called for "an inclusive Syrian-led political process" conducted in an environment free from violence, fear and intimidation and aimed at effectively addressing the legitimate aspirations and concerns of the Syrian people.