Saudi monarch criticizes UN over Syria


RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) -- The Saudi monarch says the failure of the U.N. Security Council to pass a resolution asking the Syrian leader to step down has shaken the world's confidence in the international organization.

Saudi King Abdullah says decision by Russia and China to veto the U.N. action was an "unfavorable" move.

Friday's speech was the first public comment on Syria by the Saudi monarch.

He said the world can't be ruled by the countries on the Security Council alone, but he didn't elaborate.

Saudi Arabia and five other Gulf countries have pulled their ambassadors from Syria in protest of the Syrian regime's crackdown against a popular uprising.