Dueling resolutions on Venezuela fail

The United Nations Security Council on Thursday did not adopt either of two rival draft resolutions on Venezuela proposed by the United States and Russia.

The US draft called for the holding of new elections and recognition of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, who declared himself “interim president” and was recognized by Washington and some other countries.

It received nine votes in favor, three against, and three abstentions in the 15-member council. Russia and China, as well as South Africa, opposed the resolution.

A resolution needs nine votes in favor and no opposition by either Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom or the US to pass.

Wu Haitao, China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, reiterated that China opposes external forces interfering in Venezuela’s internal affairs and opposes military intervention in the South American country.

“The draft resolution before us (from the US) is seriously inconsistent with China’s principal position, as I stated above. Therefore, China had to vote against it,” Wu said.

Minutes later, the council voted on the Russian draft, which called for a peaceful settlement of disputes and a political solution, and reaffirmed the primary role of the government in seeking and consenting to international aid.

“We drafted an alternative draft resolution, the aim of which is not to incite political intrigues and regime change but rather to genuinely help the Venezuelan people in efforts to normalize the situation in the country,” said Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia.

The Russian draft gained four votes in favor, seven against and four abstentions. China voted in favor, joined by Russia, South Africa and Equatorial Guinea.

Wu called upon the Venezuelan government and opposition parties to seek a political solution through dialogue within the constitutional and legal framework.

It was the third Security Council meeting seeking solutions to the political tensions in Venezuela, which began to escalate in January.

According to Xinhua News Agency, a US-backed effort on Saturday to deliver “humanitarian aid” to Venezuela through border crossings met strong resistance from the Venezuelan government, as President Nicolas Maduro said the alleged aid, mainly from the US, was cover for a military invasion.

The Venezuelan government has closed the nation’s borders with Brazil and Colombia, along with some air and sea routes.