Security Council fails to adopt resolution on Syria sanctions over chemical weapons
For the resolution drafted by Britain, France and the United States, nine council members voted in favor. Two veto-wielding powers Russia and China, along with Bolivia, voted against. Kazakhstan, Egypt, Ethiopia abstained.
If adopted, the draft resolution would have imposed asset freeze and travel bans on individuals and entities associated with the Syrian government based on allegations of chemical weapon attacks made by a joint probe of the UN and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
The joint inquiry has concluded in its reports that the Syrian government was involved in the use of toxic chemicals as weapons in three cases, and the Islamic States had used mustard gas in one case.
Chinese Ambassador to the UN Liu Jieyi told the council after the vote that investigations on the use of chemical weapons are still ongoing and "it is too early to reach a final conclusion."
He said the council should support the joint inquiry to carry out its investigations in a professional manner and make conclusions with accurate, detailed and solid evidence.
"We oppose the use of chemical weapons by any state, any organization and any individual under any circumstance," he added.
- UN chief encouraged by restart of Syria peace talks
- US imposes sanctions on two Syria militant leaders
- Beijing highlights UN role in political solutions for Syria
- UN envoy hopes to keep up momentum to solve Syria crisis
- Chinese diplomat hightlights role of UN in political solutions for Syria
- Allies claim backing from US on Syria