UNITED NATIONS (AP) — U.N. diplomats say that Security Council members have agreed on a statement expressing alarm at the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Syria and demanding immediate access for desperately needed aid.

The diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity because consultations have private, said none of the 15 council members objected to the final draft by a deadline Wednesday morning.

The draft presidential statement, expected to be adopted later Wednesday, urges the Syrian government to facilitate "safe and unhindered humanitarian access to people in need through the most effective ways, including across conflict lines and, where appropriate, across borders from neighboring countries."

Council members said they wanted to quickly follow up on last week's resolution to eliminate Syria's chemical weapons. The presidential statement is legally binding but a step below a resolution.

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