Dueling resolutions on Venezuela fail at UN

US resolution supports opposition leader, while Russia calls for peaceful settlement of disputes; China opposes external forces

The United Nations Security Council on Thursday did not adopt either of two rival draft resolutions on Venezuela proposed by the United States and Russia.

The American draft called for the holding of new elections and recognition of self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido.

The US draft gained nine votes in favor, three against and three abstentions on the 15-member council. Russia, China and South Africa voted against the text.

A resolution needs nine votes in favor and no vetoes by either Russia, China, France, Britain or the US to pass.

Wu Haitao, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, reiterated that China opposes external forces interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs and opposes military intervention in the South American country.

"The draft resolution before us (by the US) is seriously inconsistent with China's principal position, as I stated above. Therefore, China had to vote against it," Wu said.

The Russian draft called for the peaceful settlement of disputes and a political solution, and it reaffirmed the primary role of the government in seeking and consenting to international aid.

"We drafted an alternative draft resolution, the aim of which is not to incite political intrigues and regime change but rather to genuinely help the Venezuelan people in efforts to normalize the situation in the country," said Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia.

The Russian draft gained four votes in favor, seven against and four abstentions. China voted in favor, joined by Russia, South Africa and Equatorial Guinea.

Wu called upon the Venezuelan government and opposition parties to seek a political solution through dialogue and consultation within the constitutional and legal framework.

It was the third Security Council meeting seeking solutions to the political tensions in Venezuela, which began to escalate in January, when Guaido, National Assembly president, declared himself interim president and was recognized by the United States and some other countries.

According to Xinhua, a US-backed effort on Saturday to deliver "humanitarian aid" to Venezuela through border crossings met strong resistance from the Venezuelan government, as President Nicolas Maduro believed the aid, mainly from the United States, was cover for a military invasion.

The Venezuelan government has closed borders with Brazil and Colombia, along with some air and sea routes.

Contact the writer at xiaohong@chinadailyusa.com