The United States and Russia both failed on Thursday in rival bids to get the United Nations Security Council to take action on Venezuela, cementing a global split over how to deal with a crisis in the South American country.
Russia and the US have been at loggerheads over a US-led campaign for international recognition of Juan Guaido, the Venezuelan opposition leader, over elected President Nicholas Maduro. Guaido last month declared himself the interim head of state.
Russia and China vetoed a US-drafted UNSC resolution, calling for a free and fair presidential election in Venezuela and unhindered aid access.
The US text garnered a minimum nine votes – forcing the double veto, while South Africa also voted no. Three countries abstained.
“By voting against this resolution some members of this council continue to shield Maduro and his cronies and prolong the suffering of the Venezuelan people. This man-made crisis has extended well beyond Venezuela’s borders and threatens to destabilise the region,” US special envoy for Venezuela Elliott Abrams told the council.
The council then voted on a rival Russian draft that aimed to express support for a political solution and back the Venezuelan government as the primary coordinator of international assistance efforts in the country.
The Russian text failed after only four council members voted in favor of it. Four abstained and the rest were against.
A council resolution needs nine votes in favor and no vetoes by Russia, China, France, Britain or the US to pass.
“We are seriously concerned about the fact that today’s meeting may be exploited as a step for preparations of a real, not humanitarian, intervention … as a result of the alleged inability of the Security Council to resolve the situation in Venezuela,” Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said after the vote on the US draft resolution.
Source: Agencies
