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Russia, China Veto Syrian Resolution

Nadia Idriss Mayen, Al Arabiya with Agencies
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On Tuesday, Russia and China joined forces to veto a European-drafted U.N. Security Council resolution condemning Syria. However, the council indicated that sanctions would be imposed if the Assad regime continues its crackdown on protesters.

According to Western diplomats, Moscow and Beijing’s decision to use their veto may indicate that the Security Council could be facing a longer-term deadlock on issues concerning the Middle East and North Africa, including the “Arab Spring” pro-democracy movements in the region.

Nine members of the council voted in favor of the Syrian resolution, and four abstained: Brazil, India, Lebanon and South Africa. Russia and China were the only vetoes. The draft resolution, was drafted by France ,with the cooperation of Britain, Germany and Portugal.

“We cannot today doubt the meaning of this veto of this text," French U.N. Ambassador Gerard Araud told the 15-nation council. "This is not a matter of wording. It is a political choice. It is a refusal of all resolutions of the council against Syria.”

"This veto will not stop us," he added. "No veto can give carte blanche to the Syrian authorities."

At least 2,700 civilians have been killed by Syrian military operations since the uprising against the Assad regime began, according to the United Nations.
Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin told the council that Moscow’s veto reflected "a conflict of political approaches" between Russia and the European council members.

"The international community is alarmed by statements that compliance with the Security Council resolution in Libya and the NATO interpretation is a model for future actions of NATO in implementing its responsibility to protect. It's easy to see that today's model of unified defenders could happen in Syria," said Churkin.

The United States and European council members have been criticized by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa for allegedly permitting NATO to overstep its Security Council mandate in protecting Libyan civilians.