Russia, China veto US resolution on Venezuela

By Umar Farooq

WASHINGTON (AA) - Russia and China on Thursday vetoed a U.S. measure that called for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to help ensure the facilitation of free and credible elections in Venezuela.

It also wanted the unhindered transport of aid into the country.

Both votes drafted by the U.S. and Russia were scheduled for a vote by the UN Security Council.

The U.S. measure received nine votes in favor, which would allow the passage of the measure but Russia and China, acting in their positions as permanent members of the Council, exercised their right to veto the resolution.

Three members of the Security Council abstained from voting.

Russia called the U.S. resolution a thinly veiled attempt at deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

"This is but a smokescreen, their goal is regime change," said Russia's envoy to the UN Vasily Nebenzya.