Russia Vetoes Chemical Weapons’ Resolution

Russian Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations Vladimir Safronkov at a security council meeting.
New York, 16 Rajab 1438/13 April 2017 (MINA) – Russia vetoed a western drafted resolution condemning the use of chemical weapons and expressing determination that those responsible must be held accountable.

This is the eighth Russian veto used on Syria related resolutions in the past six-years,KUNA reported.

In an open meeting, the UN Security Council failed to vote on resolution drafted by France, the US and the UK on the chemical attack in Khan Shaykhun.

Ten members voted in favor, two against, and three states abstained.

Russia and Bolivia voted against the submitted draft, while China, Kazakstan and Ethiopia abstained.

The resolution clearly condemns in the strongest terms the reported use of chemical weapons in Syria, in particular the attack on Khan Shaykhun reported on April 4, and expresses its outrage that individuals continue to be killed and injured by chemical weapons in Syria.

France, the US and the UK expressed in their draft determination that those responsible must be held accountable.

The resolution also expresses full support to the OPCW Fact Finding Mission, demanding that all parties provide delay-free and safe access to any sites deemed relevant by the OPCW FFM.

Before the vote, Russia said that voting on the draft submitted by the western countries does not serve a useful purpose. (T/RS5/RS!)

Mi’raj Ilamic News Agency (MINA)