UNSC dismisses resolution on the probe of using chemical weapons in Syria
New York, April 11: The United Nations Security Council on Tuesday rejected a Russian-drafted resolution on investigating chemical weapons use in Syria. Notably, the chemical attack took place few days before in the last rebel-held Syrian town of Douma in which at least 70 innocent civilians.
The UNSC rejected a Russian-drafted resolution on investigating chemical weapons use in Syria after Moscow vetoed a competing US-proposed measure. Six countries including China and Russia backed the measure, while seven nations voted against. However, two countries abstained.
Earlier, in the day, Russia for the 12th time vetoed a US-drafted UNSC resolution that would have set up a probe into chemical weapons use in Syria following the alleged toxic gas attack in Douma. Importantly, a draft resolution requires nine votes to be adopted in the 15-member Council and no Veto from the five permanent members including Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States.
At least 70 innocent civilians were killed and a dozen others were injured in the suspected chemical attack on the last rebel-held Syrian town of Douma. However, Syrian forces said that they are not involved in any gas attacks.
A day after the attack, the United States President Donald Trump and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron criticized Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and vowed a strong, joint response to the horrific attack.
BACKGROUND:
Earlier, in the month the Syrian government reclaimed Eastern Ghouta province which was held by Islamist-dominated fighters after a relentless six-week airstrike with rockets, barrel bombs. During the six-week of an offensive, at least 1,644 civilians, including 344 children, have been killed while hundreds of others were injured.
Despite the ban, chemical attacks are regularly used in Syria. The United States has already blacklisted 18 senior Syrian officials who were connected to the country’s weapon of mass destruction program and also identified five Syrian military branches as part of the Government of Syria was using chemical weapon attacks against civilians.