Along with 4 abstentions (3 from fellow BRICS), China and Russia today (10-4-2011) vetoed a draft resolution in UNSC that would have strongly condemned Syrian authorities for their violent crackdown against pro-democracy protesters this year and called for an immediate end to human rights abuses. The draft resolution had voiced deep concern over the recent violence in Syria and strongly condemned “the continued grave and systematic human rights violations and the use of force against civilians by the Syrian authorities. Urging “all sides to reject violence and extremism,” the text called for “an inclusive Syrian-led political process conducted in an environment free from violence, fear, intimidation and extremism, and aimed at effectively addressing the legitimate aspirations and concerns of Syria’s population.” (From UNSC & UN News Centre Sources). Russia Has Difference in Methodological Approach? Speaking after today’s vote, Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said his country did not support the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad but the draft resolution would not promote a peaceful resolution of the crisis. He said the issue was not a question of wording, but “a conflict of political approaches” on how to end the crisis. (Russia’s reasoning was unusually similar to framing of US threatened veto on Palestine state admission to the UN). China’s Ambassador Li Baodong (PHOTO Above Veto on Resolution) said that while his country was highly concerned about the violence in Syria, the text as it stood would only complicate existing tensions. He said the draft was overly focused on exerting pressure on Syria, and included the threat of sanctions, which would not resolve the situation. EU Draft: Ambassador Gérard Araud of France expressed deep disappointment that the draft resolution had not been adopted, and said his country and other co-sponsors had made repeated attempts in recent days to alter the text to meet the concerns of other Council members. Mr. Araud said the opponents of the text were going against the spirit of the Arab Spring movement. The resolution was put forward – co-sponsored by the EU members of the UNSC including the UK, Germany, Portugal as well as France, US-No Military Intervention Threatened: US Ambassador Susan Rice voiced outrage that the Council had not adopted the text and said those countries which had not supported it would have to answer to the Syrian people. She said it was a “ruse” to suggest that the resolution would lead to military intervention in Syria. “BRICS” Solidarity: The countries voting in favor of the resolution were Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, France, Gabon, Germany, Nigeria, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the US. Brazil, India and South Africa provided effective backing to Russia and China. (Lebanon also abstained in deference to its Syria’s influence in Beirut). From my sources within the UN Security Council, the BRICS are increasingly acting together, especially when the US is on the other side. (ARTICLE – “What Objective the BRICS – [4-15-2011] “- diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/what-objectives-of-the-brics-by-ambassador-mo/27275 ARTICLE –“Syria Investigation Human Rights Council (8-23-2011)” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/syria-investigation-human-rights-abuses-by-ambassador-mo/34693 ARTICLE – “Syria-Israel Problematic Parallel at UN (6-07-2011)” – diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/syria-israel-problematic-parallel-at-un-by-ambassador-mo/28751 FILM REPORT – “Crime & Justice/Syria” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/crimejustice-syria/28259 ARTICLE – “UN Security Council Statement on Syria (From 8-03-2011)” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/syria-security-council-statement-by-ambassador-mo/32964 By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow at DiplomaticallyX “War Crimes Justice” Channel - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/war-crimes-justice