UN Statement on Syria Delayed Over Venezuela Objections

Security Council approval of a draft U.N. statement strongly backing intensive preparatory talks on key issues to restore peace to conflict-torn Syria has been delayed because of objections from Venezuela. Council diplomats had hoped to adopt the presidential statement Wednesday afternoon. But VENEZUELA asked for changes to some language about a political transition and discussions were continuing, the diplomats said, speaking on condition of anonymity because consultations have been private. "Expect it to be adopted tomorrow," Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin told reporters as he left the council Wednesday afternoon. More…