BALADI NEWS
Russia on Monday blocked a UN Security Council statement criticizing Syria's military campaign in the Idlib region that Western powers fear will lead to a humanitarian catastrophe, a British newspaper wrote.
The newspaper said the AFP has seen a note by Russia saying the proposed statement was "unbalanced" because it did not mention the towns of Hajin or Baghuz, where civilians have suffered during US-backed fighting against the Islamic State group.
Belgium, Germany and Kuwait had put forward the proposed text following two emergency meetings of the council on the worsening violence in the jihadist-held region, the newspaper added.
Russia last month blocked a separate statement also warning of a humanitarian catastrophe from an all-out assault on Idlib region, home to three million people.
Council statements require unanimous support by all 15 members.
Syria and its Russian ally have stepped up air strikes and shelling in Idlib since late April, forcing over 270,000 people to flee their homes, and killing hundreds of civilians.
Source: Daily Mail Online.