Samantha Power, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, defended President Barack Obama's policies on the civil war in Syria, arguing that the UN agreement, brokered by the U.S. and Russia to destroy President Bashar Assad's stockpile of chemical weapons is a benefit to the world, even as the massive scale of violence in the Arab contnues, politico.com reported.
"It's a very good thing for the world and a good thing for the Syrian people that Assad's chemical weapons are being taken away. By the same token, none of us can be satisfied [with just that]," Power said at Politico's Women Rule event in New York on Tuesday.
Critics, including senators, have argued that the UN deal took pressure off Assad, lifting the threat of a U.S. military strike.
"He uses other weapons with abandon [but] it is misleading and wrong to suggest, as some have, that taking his chemical weapons is good thing for Assad...This is a weapon he was using for tactical military advantage, as well as to slaughter people."
"President Obama has put in play every single tool in the toolbox, short of military action. It is the most heartbreaking circumstance confronting us today....I'd be careful about suggesting we are not taking the atrocities seriously. This is something the president gets briefed on every day. He's always asking what we can do," Power added.
White House officials have said the U.S. President has been deeply wary of U.S. military entanglement in the Middle East, politico.com. reported.
The Obama administration is also pushing for ratification of The U.N. Convention on The Rights of Persons With Disabilities. Last year, that agreement was denied primarily by Senate Republicans who voted it down.
Power has "made several to the Capitol for meetings with senior lawmakers, and officials have sought to mobilize veterans and disabled groups, religious organizations and the business community. A Foreign Relations Committee vote could come as early as December," The AP also reported.
''We want to lead the struggle to make these rights universal. It would be a very good thing internationally if disability rights were promoted and respected to the extent they are in this country." Power told The AP in a phone interview.
