U.N.'s chief says hopes Security Council united on Syria

UN chief Ban Ki-moon announced that he arrive in the Middle East on Wednesday to try to encourage the Israelis and Palestinians to resume peace talks.

The secretary-general told reporters that he'll visit Jordan, Israel and occupied Palestinian territories in hopes of creating "a positive atmosphere for moving forward.''

On the other hand Ki-moon said on Tuesday he hoped the Security Council would be united and reflect international will when it deliberates a draft resolution calling on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to quit power.   

"I sincerely hope the Security Council will be united and speak in a coherent manner reflecting the wishes of the international community," he told reporters in the Jordanian capital. "This is crucially important."   

The Arab League, backed by the United States, France and Britain will ask the Council on Tuesday to adopt the resolution, which Russia - one of Syria's few allies - has objected to on the grounds it could pave the way for military intervention in Syria.   

China, which like Russia has a veto in the council, also has reservations about the draft.