Syria
Russia blocked a UN Security Council demand on Thursday that Syria allow immediate access to thousands of civilians trapped by a government offensive on the city of Homs, diplomats said.
Russia's opposition to the statement proposed by council members Australia and Luxembourg was a new sign of a growing international split over the 26-month old conflict.
The statement, obtained by AFP, sought "immediate, safe and unhindered access" to Homs, where President Bashar al-Assad's forces have been joined by fighters from Lebanese group Hezbollah against rebels.
Homs
Russia stands for war criminal Assad
