WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is calling a U.N. Security Council statement on Syria a "positive step" toward bringing peace and change after a year of bloodshed.
She is urging "all Syrians who love their country" to embrace the plan outlined by mediator Kofi Annan. And she says President Bashar Assad's regime should commit to it or face increasing pressure and isolation.
Speaking to reporters, Clinton commended the council for agreeing Wednesday on a "strong statement" that demands an end to violence, and spells out Annan's proposals, ranging from guaranteed humanitarian access to the start of a political dialogue.
Clinton told reporters that the council's unanimous support should help Annan in his discussions with Syria's government and opposition groups.
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