U.N. Security Council agrees to statement on Syria

UNITED NATIONS - Reuters

UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan speaks to the press on March 16, 2012 in Geneva after a videoconference briefing of the United Nations Security Council. AFP photo

The U.N. Security Council, including Russia and China, has agreed to a statement on Syria that backs U.N.-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan's bid to end violence that has brought the country to the brink of civil war, council diplomats said on Wednesday.
 
The statement also threatens Syria with "further steps" if it fails to comply with Annan's six-point peace proposal, which calls for a cease-fire, political dialogue between the government and opposition, and full access for aid agencies.