United Nations, March 1 (RHC)-- United Nations Security Council members met on Thursday to vote on two opposed projects of resolution on Venezuela that were presented by Russia and the United States. A resolution needs nine votes in favor and no vetoes by Russia, China, France, Britain or the United States to pass.
The vote took place after the second extraordinary U.N. Security Council session was convened by the U.S. earlier this week, to discuss the political situation in Venezuela. During the meeting, the rejection of military intervention in the South American nation was reiterated by the majority of its members.
The U.S. draft resolution garnered the minimum votes, Russia and China casting their vetoes. South Africa also voted against the text, while Indonesia, Equatorial Guinea and Ivory Coast abstained.
On the other hand, the Russian resolution had four votes in favor, seven against and four abstentions, so this initiative was not approved either. The Russian draft resolution expresses concern over threats to use force against Venezuela as U.S. President Donald Trump has said: "All options are on the table" in dealing with Venezuela.
Russian UN representative Vasily Nebenzia said: "Russia supports mechanisms that seek to promote peace and dialogue in Venezuela, such as the Montevideo Mechanism, and urges states to uphold the principles enshrined in the UN Charter."