THIS year’s United Nations general assembly debate ended on Monday with strong criticism of the Western powers, as Syria and North Korea accused the United States and its allies of trying to impose their will on the world.

Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad called for the withdrawal of US troops from his country and also attacked Western sanctions against Damascus.

He said his country has been “economically besieged” by powers, including the US and the European Union, which are bent on getting their way and retaining their wealth.