UN Security Council divided over Syria

The UN Security Council on Thursday did not adopt either of two competing resolutions on a cessation of hostilities in Idlib, Syria, the last city in the war-torn nation that is still largely held by rebel forces.

Germany, Belgium and Kuwait proposed a humanitarian cease-fire, which got 12 out of 15 votes. Permanent Security Council members China and Russia vetoed the draft, blocking its adoption.

The other resolution, proposed by China and Russia, highlighted terrorism concerns by extremist groups operating inside the region. Nine members voted against it, and four abstained.

After voting against the draft resolution, China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Zhang Jun said that regarding the Idlib issue, starting on Aug 31, the Russian and Syrian governments had implemented a cease-fire in Idlib, which has been maintained in general.

The diplomatic efforts by relevant parties of the international community is ongoing, and the situation in Idlib is moving in a positive direction, he said.

"Under such a context, to steamroll a draft resolution that has major controversies, to a vote, is clearly unconstructive, and this move will not achieve the expected result," Zhang said.

"Terrorist organizations continue to expand their sphere of influence in the northwest region of Syria," he said. "This is the source of the humanitarian issue in Idlib. It also poses a grave risk to the safety and security in the region."

Zhang called the council to unite in tackling the "grave challenge" together.

"China has constructively participated in the negotiation of the text and has proposed reasonable revisions. However, unfortunately the draft resolution just put to a vote did not touch upon the essence of the issue and did not address China's core concerns. For this reason, China voted against the draft resolution," he explained.

Zhang said the humanitarian situation in Syria is a complicated and sensitive issue. All categories of humanitarian issues in Syria should be considered in a comprehensive manner and be addressed in a balanced way, instead of only selectively focusing on certain issues, much less to politicize humanitarian issues.

"The international community must fully respect the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria, fully listen to the views of the Syrian government, and seek a comprehensive solution to the Syria issue through political means," he said.

"At the same time, we should pay high attention to the postwar reconstruction of Syria and its economic and social development and to help Syrian people lead peaceful, stable and happy lives," he added.

Zhang underlined that China also attaches great importance to the humanitarian situation in Syria, and that's why Russia and China proposed an alternative draft resolution, which took into consideration the humanitarian and counterterrorism issues of Syria in a comprehensive manner.

"This draft includes the call for observance of international law in counterterrorism and assurance of humanitarian access and reflects the humanitarian needs of the Syrian people," he explained.

Zhang said China firmly rejects the "groundless" accusation made by the UK and the US against China.

"China has the right to make an independent decision on how it votes, according to the rights and wrongs of a situation, and preceding from the interests of the Syrian people. No country has the right to make a willful accusation on this," he said.

"I would like to point out that the current situation of Syria and the sufferings of the Syrian people are exactly the results of the wrongful conduct by some countries. It is these countries that should reflect on their own behavior," he said.

Ursula Mueller, the UN assistant secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, who spoke prior to the vote, said a unilateral cease-fire announced by Russia on Aug 30 has reportedly led to a decline in fighting in the northwestern region. However, insecurity and an "alarming" humanitarian situation persist.

"The fragile cease-fire has brought into focus an outlook that, for this Security Council, should be all too familiar: Further fighting will endanger and displace thousands of civilians. Further displacement will create even more needs. Further needs will stretch humanitarians that are already at their limit," she told the chamber.

"The world is watching … in hopes that a more humane outlook for Syria will be created, one where civilians are safe, needs are addressed, and humanitarians are protected."