US, Russia clash at UN over Venezuela
UNITED NATIONS: Backing the rival sides in Venezuela, the United States and Russia yesterday failed to get the deeply divided United Nations Security Council to take a stand on how to address the Latin American nation’s political conflict and humanitarian crisis sparked by an economic downturn worse than the US Great Depression.
The council rejected their rival resolutions, the US measure backing Opposition leader Juan Guaido and calling for free and fair elections, the Russian draft supporting President Nicolas Maduro and opposing interference in Venezuelan affairs and any threats of military intervention.
As expected, Russia and China vetoed the US draft resolution, and Moscow’s proposal failed to win majority support. The results highlighted the inability of the UN’s most powerful body to address the worsening situation in Venezuela.
Immediately before the votes, Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia accused the United States of engaging in ‘‘shameless propaganda’’ with the goal of ‘‘regime change’’.
He expressed concern that the council meeting ‘‘may be exploited as a step for preparations for a real — not humanitarian — intervention.’’
US envoy for Venezuela Elliott Abrams said after the vote that ‘‘the time for a peaceful transition to democracy is now.’’ He accused opponents of the US resolution of prolonging the suffering of Venezuelans and continuing ‘‘to shield Maduro and his cronies’’.
He reiterated US concerns about Guaido’s safety and security when he returns to Venezuela.
The US plan received nine ‘‘yes’’ votes, the minimum number required for adoption, and three ‘‘no’’ votes from vetowielding Russia and China, plus South Africa. Indonesia, Equatorial Guinea and Ivory Coast abstained.
The vetoed measure had called for unhindered humanitarian access. — AP