Russia and China have again vetoed a Western-backed UN resolution threatening non-military sanctions against Syria aimed at stepping up pressure on Bashar Assad’s government to end the escalating 16-month conflict.

Yesterday’s 11-2 vote, with two abstentions, leaves in limbo the future of the 300-strong UN peacekeeping force in Syria, whose mandate expires today.

Britain’s UN Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant, who sponsored the Western-backed draft, said he was “appalled” at the third double veto by Russia and China.

It was a blow to Kofi Annan, the joint UN-Arab League envoy to Syria, who had called for “consequences” for non-compliance with his six-point peace plan, which the Assad government has flouted.

The resolution called on Mr Assad to withdraw troops and heavy weapons from populated areas within 10 days.

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