Russia does not support a draft resolution condemning Syria's suppression of anti-government protests at the United Nations Security Council.
The Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that the decision was taken because the draft contains no provision against outside military intervention in Syria, nor respect for non-interference in its domestic affairs.
Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov told Interfax news agency that the text opened the door for punitive sanctions against Syria.
The Security Council is due to vote at 5pm on Tuesday (EDT) on the resolution condemning a six-month crackdown on protesters against President Bashar al-Assad, who has been in power for 11 years.
