Russia, China Veto US-Drafted Resolution On Venezuela

UNITED NATIONS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st March, 2019) Russia and China vetoed on Thursday a US-sponsored draft United Nations Security Council resolution calling for new elections in Venezuela.

Russia, China and South Africa voted against the resolution, while three other countries abstained.

Ahead of the vote Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said that the US draft had "no chance" of being adopted.

The US draft resolution called for new presidential elections in Venezuela and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to the Latin American country in coordination with the Venezuelan opposition.

Tensions in Venezuela escalated last month when US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president. The United States immediately recognized Guaido, seized billions of Dollars' worth of the country's oil assets, and threatened to use military action against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government.

Maduro has accused Guaido of conspiring with the United States to overthrow the country's legitimate government including by organizing the delivery of so-called humanitarian as part of a plan to justify US military intervention.

On Saturday, the opposition failed to force the unauthorized US-sponsored aid into Venezuela. The Red Cross and UN have urged Washington not to deliver aid without the consent of Venezuelan authorities.

Russia, China, Cuba, Bolivia and a number of other countries have reaffirmed their support for Maduro as Venezuela's only legitimate president. The United Nations also still recognizes the Maduro government.