Advertisement

Russia, China veto U.N. resolution to sanction Syria for chemical weapon attacks

A rocket with a chlorine gas container is seen after it was retrieved near Damascus, in Syria on Feb. 2.
(Mohammed Badra / EPA)
Share via

Russia and China have vetoed a Western-backed U.N. resolution that would have imposed sanctions on 21 Syrian individuals, organizations and companies allegedly involved in chemical weapons attacks in the war-ravaged country.

The defeated Security Council resolution also would have banned all countries from supplying Syria’s government with helicopters, which investigators have determined were used in chemical attacks.

In Tuesday’s vote, the resolution got the minimum nine “yes” votes. In addition to China and Russia, Bolivia voted “no.” Three countries abstained — Egypt, Ethiopia and Kazakhstan.

Advertisement

The vetoed resolution followed a joint investigation by the United Nations and the international chemical weapons watchdog that determined the Syrian government was behind at least three attacks involving chlorine gas and that the Islamic State extremist group was responsible for at least one involving mustard gas.

ALSO

In the Philippines, poverty and corruption fuel the drug trade

Advertisement

Despite warming ties with Washington, Netanyahu faces growing challenges in Israel

Iran celebrates an Oscar win — and a chance to needle President Trump

Advertisement