UN General Assembly backs Arab League Syria plan The United Nations General Assembly has given overwhelming approval to an Arab League plan calling on Syrian President Bashar al Assad to step aside. A non binding resolution received 137 votes in favour, with 12 against and 17 abstentions. Following the vote, US Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice said the Syrian leader had "never been more isolated." However, Syria's senior UN representative told diplomats there were "deep concerns about the real intentions of countries who have sponsored the draft." Ambassador Bashar Ja'afari told other officials he was particularly worried about "these countries who are leading a political and media aggression against Syria." Once again Russia and China opposed the resolution. The Arab League's proposals are aimed at halting Syria's 11-month crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators. Damascus brands them foreign- backed terrorists. More about: Bashar al-Assad, Syria, Syrian army, United Nations, Victims