Russia surprised Western countries on Thursday by proposing a resolution on Syria to the UN Security Council, strongly condemning violence by all parties, including the use of inappropriate force by Syrian authorities. The resolution also expresses concern about the illegal supply of weapons to armed groups causing the unrest in Syria. In response, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Washington hopes to cooperate with Russia on this resolution. French Ambassador to the United Nations Gerard Araud welcomed Moscow’s proposal, calling it a special event.

Meanwhile, a group claiming to represent the majority of the opposition forces in Syria has declared the formation of a "national alliance" with the aim of overthrowing the current regime of President Bashar al-Assad.