EU urges UN to act on Syria 'without further delay'

(BRUSSELS) - European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton called on the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday to stand by the people of Syria and act immediately to stop violence in the torn nation.

"I am appalled by the situation in Syria, where the regime continues its ruthless and outrageous campaign of repression against the Syrian people," Ashton said in a statement.

"The time has come for all members of the UNSC to stand by the Syrian people," she said, referring to the Security Council.

"As negotiations in New York continue, I call once again on all members of the Security Council to assume their responsibilities and act without further delay," Ashton added.

Western powers and the Arab League demanded immediate UN action to stop Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's "killing machine" on Tuesday but Russia vowed to veto any proposal it deemed unacceptable.