Russia vetoes extending Syria chemical weapons inspectors

Russia vetoes a US-sponsored UN resolution that would extend the work of inspectors seeking to determine who is responsible for chemical weapons attacks in Syria, accusing the United States of calling the vote “to show up and dishonor Russia.”

Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia tried unsuccessfully to postpone the vote until next month, after the joint body comprising investigators from the UN and the chemical weapons watchdog issues a report on Oct. 26.

The resolution was then put to a vote Tuesday and received 11 “yes” votes, two “no” votes from Russia and Bolivia, and two abstentions.

Nebenzia says Russia has criticized the Joint Investigative Mechanism but doesn’t want it terminated. It wants its mandate amended.

A man being treated at hospital after a suspected chemical weapons attack in Idlib province in Syria, August 1, 2016. (Screenshot/YouTube)

— AP

Most Popular