China & Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on Straits of Hormuz; Pakistan abstained

UNITED NATIONS, Apr 07 (APP): China and Russia vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution which would have strongly encouraged States interested in the use of commercial maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz to coordinate efforts of a defensive nature to contribute to ensuring the safety and security of navigation across the strait, including through the escort of merchant and commercial vessels.

Pakistan abstained on the draft, along with Colombia, on the Bahrain-drafted resolution, which received 11 votes in favour.

The resolution demands that Iran immediately cease all attacks against merchant and commercial vessels and any attempt to impede transit passage or freedom of navigation in the Strait and further calls for the cessation of attacks against civilian infrastructure, including water infrastructure and desalination plants, as well as oil and gas installations.

Bahrain sponsored the draft in close coordination with fellow Gulf Cooperation Council members Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as with Jordan.

Today’s vote follows multiple rounds of negotiations and occurs against a backdrop of regional escalation in the wake of military action commenced by Israel and the United States against Iran on 28 February.