The Security Council today (30 Aug) failed to adopt two opposing resolutions on the renewal of the sanctions regime on Mali.
The first resolution, tabled by the United Arab Emirates and France, received thirteen votes in favour, one abstention, and the Russian Federation - a Permanent Member of the Council - voted against.
United States Ambassador Robert A. Wood, who was presiding the session, said, “the draft resolution has not been adopted, owing to the negative vote of a permanent member of the Council.”
Speaking after the vote, Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya said, “unfortunately, despite the fact that we repeatedly urged for a constructive approach and a sensible compromise to be reached, the text did not in any way take into consideration the concerns of the Mali side or the Russian Federation's position before the vote. We clearly laid out our reasons that were behind our decision to vote against.”
Ambassador Dai Bing of China, who abstained, said, “it is regrettable that some members pushed through a vote that ignores the desire and efforts of other members to continue the mediation efforts and a process and outcome that neither contributes to the resolution of the Malian issue nor helps the Council to play a positive and constructive role.”
Ahead of the vote on the second resolution - tabled by Russia, Wood, speaking in his national capacity said, “we find the Russian draft for the sanctions regime disingenuous and lamentable. First, Russia's draft was introduced with no opportunity for discussion or negotiation. Although the text calls for maintaining the travel ban and asset freezes the draft ends the panel of experts reporting mandate. One also must question why Russia seeks to renew the sanctions for only six months and then add a sunset clause. The situation in Mali requires our sustained support the text Russia has put forward falls lamentably short in that objective.”
The second resolution received one vote in favour, one against, and one abstention.
Wood, said, “the draft resolution has not been adopted, having failed to obtain the required number of votes.”