Russia, China Block US Push for UN Action on Venezuela

The United Nations Security Council state members met on Thursday to vote on two opposed projects of resolution on Venezuela that were presented by Russia and the United States, respectively. A resolution needs nine votes in favor and no vetoes by Russia, China, France, Britain or the United States to pass

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This vote takes place after the second extraordinary U.N. Security Council session was convened by the U.S. on Tuesday, to discuss the political situation in Venezuela. In Tuesday's meeting, the rejection of military intervention in the South American nation was reiterated by the majority of the members.

The U.S. draft resolution garnered the minimum votes, Russia and China cast 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.

The Russian draft resolution establishes that a peaceful solution based on dialogue between the parties involved (Venezuelan Government and opposition) is necessary, supporting the Montevideo Mechanism (Uruguay), which does not promote interference in the internal affairs of the country.

"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," said the Russian representative in the U.N., Vasily Nebenzya.

In Geneva, Venezuela Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, addressing the U.N. Human Rights Council, suggested on Wednesday that Maduro and U.S. President Donald Trump meet to "try to find common ground and explain their differences." Democratically elected President Nicolas Maduro also "stands ready for dialogue" with the Venezuelan opposition, he said.