video transcript

(ROUGH CUT ONLY - NO REPORTER NARRATION) U.S. senators John McCain and Joseph Lieberman on Thursday (May 31) said China and Russia's veto against the condemnation of the Syrian government in the bloody conflict was "shameful". The killing of more than 100 civilians, mostly women and children, in the Syrian town of Houla last week has drawn widespread international condemnation. "Russian arms continue to flow into Syria and obviously the opposition is not prepared to take on Bashar Assad and the brutal murder, rape and torture that continues to be Bashar Assad's instrument of trying to maintain control over Syria. It is shameful that the United Nations Security Council should again be hindered by Russia and China by their vetoes for any significance action against Syria. It is also embarrassing that the United States of America refuses to show leadership and come to the aid of Syria people," said Republican senator McCain, speaking to reports at a news conference in Malaysia. Beijing and Moscow have both vetoed two Security Council resolutions calling for tougher action against Damascus, while stressing hopes for a political solution brokered by Annan, the former U.N. Secretary-General. Assad's forces have killed 7,500 people since a popular uprising began in early 2011, according to a U.N. toll.