Russia, China veto UN resolution on Syria

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Russia, China veto UN resolution on Syria

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Russia and China blocked resolution despite three attempts by European members.

05 October,2011 06:10 am

Speaking following last nights vote in New York, Mr Hague said: “I am of course disappointed by Russia and Chinas decision to veto the UNSCR.“This will be seen in the region as a decision to side with a brutal regime rather than with the people of Syria, and will be a bitter blow to all those Syrians who have implored the international community to take a stand.”Mr Hague said the resolution, which was tabled by the UK along with France, Germany and Portugal, was carefully drafted and entirely reasonable and that those who blocked it would have the horrific abuses of the Syrian regime on their conscience.He added: It took account of the need for all sides to reject violence, stressed that a political transition should be Syrian-led and was explicit that Security Council consideration of sanctions against Syria should not include military action.Mr Hague vowed to continue to stand side by side with the Syrian people and said Britain would redouble our efforts to work with our international partners to increase the pressure on the regime wherever we can, and assure the people of Syria that they will not be forgotten.The Security Council vote was 9-2 with four abstentions - India, South Africa, Brazil and Lebanon.Russias UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said his country did not support President Assads regime or the violence, but opposed the resolution because it was based on a philosophy of confrontation, contained an ultimatum of sanctions, and was against a peaceful settlement of a crisis.