U.N. Council Asked to Condemn Syria Violence

Britain, France, Germany, and Portugal asked the United Nations Security Council Monday to condemn the Syrian government’s attacks against protesters, which have killed hundreds over the past few weeks. The four nations also called for the 15-nation council to endorse Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s call for an investigation into the violence. Syria’s ambassador to the U.N., Bashar Ja’Afair, said the move was a “violation of the U.N. charter” because it would not involve any consultation with Syria. A White House official said it is separately considering imposing sanctions against Syrian officials. Despite Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's promises to end emergency rule, police cracked down on protesters Monday and at least 20 people were killed in Daraa.