Russia, China prevent UN call for probe into chemical attack

The United Nations Security Council did not explicitly demand a UN investigation of reports that Assad's army used chemical weapons on hundreds of people Wednesday, although it said "clarity" was needed and welcomed UN chief Ban Ki-moon's calls for a prompt investigation by the UN inspection team in Syria, led by Ake Sellstrom.

An earlier Western-drafted statement submitted to the council, seen by Reuters, was not approved. The final version of the statement was watered down to accommodate objections from Russia and China, diplomats said. (Reuters)