UN Security Council fails to pass resolution on Syria chemical weapons
UNITED NATIONS, New York – The United Nations Security Council failed to pass a resolution on chemical weapon use in Syria after two separate drafts backed by Russia and the United States failed to pass.
A US-backed draft resolution sought to establish a new investigative mechanism that would identify the perpetrators.
US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley described it as the bare minimum the council could do.
Russia predictably vetoed the resolution with Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia asking why an investigation was needed when the guilty party had already been determined.
Bolivia also voted against the draft, expressing concern about serious threats in recent days of the use of force and unilateral action against Syria, contrary to the UN Charter.
The UK described Russia’s veto, its twelfth on Council resolutions on Syria, as a step against international peace and security.
Russia’s draft resolution backing sending investigators from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) also failed to pass.
The council suspended its meeting on Tuesday at the request of Sweden to allow consultation among members.
Related: Chemical weapons watchdog to investigate alleged Douma attack
A US-backed draft resolution sought to establish a new investigative mechanism that would identify the perpetrators.
US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley described it as the bare minimum the council could do.
Russia predictably vetoed the resolution with Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia asking why an investigation was needed when the guilty party had already been determined.
Bolivia also voted against the draft, expressing concern about serious threats in recent days of the use of force and unilateral action against Syria, contrary to the UN Charter.
The UK described Russia’s veto, its twelfth on Council resolutions on Syria, as a step against international peace and security.
Russia’s draft resolution backing sending investigators from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) also failed to pass.
The council suspended its meeting on Tuesday at the request of Sweden to allow consultation among members.