A U.N. diplomat says Russia has circulated a draft resolution to the U.N. Security Council that would extend the U.N. observer force in Syria but focus its activities on trying to achieve a political solution to the conflict.
The mandate for the 300-strong monitoring mission expires on July 20, 2012.
The council diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly, said on Tuesday evening that the Russian draft incorporates recommendations from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to redeploy the mission from the field to the capital and focus on promoting a political dialogue.
But the diplomat said the Russian draft needs to be combined with pressure on the parties to end the violence and a more comprehensive approach to address the complex Syrian situation.
