Security Council fails to adopt Syria resolution

Despite the appeals for united and concerted action to help end the escalating violence in Syria, the Security Council today failed to adopt a resolution that would have threatened sanctions on Damascus, owing to the negative votes of some of the body’s permanent members.

Eleven of the Council’s 15 members voted in favour of the resolution’s text, Russia and China – both permanent members – voted against, while two others, Pakistan and South Africa, abstained. 

A veto by any one of the Council’s five permanent members means a resolution cannot be adopted.