Security Council draft resolution against Syria vetoed

Security Council

A UN Security Council draft resolution that threatened sanctions against Syria if it did not immediately end its military crackdown against civilians has been vetoed.

The resolution was defeated by a vote of 9-2 with four abstentions.

Russia and China vetoed the measure. Both countries say sanctions are not the answer and that Syria's leadership needs to be engaged in talks.

US Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice denounced the vetoes.

"The United States believes it is past time that this council assume its responsibilities and impose tough targeted sanctions and an arms embargo on the Assad regime as we have done domestically. Yet today the courageous people of Syria can now see clearly who on this council supports their yearning for liberty and universal human rights and who does not."

French Ambassador Gerard Araud, whose country drafted the resolution, said the veto showed “disdain for the legitimate interests that have been fought for in Syria”.

The UN says 2,700 people have been killed in Syria following the crackdown.