Russia vetoes Security Council draft resolution on a weapon-free outer space
Russia used its veto to quash a draft resolution aimed at keeping weapons out of outer space.
Russia used its veto to quash a draft resolution aimed at keeping weapons out of outer space.
The Security Council rejected the draft resolution, introduced by Japan and the United States, by a vote of 13 in favour to one against, with one abstention (China), that would have had the 15-member organ call on “all States, in particular those with major space capabilities, to contribute actively to the objective of the peaceful use of outer space and of the prevention of an arms race in outer space.”
Also by the draft, the Council would have called on all nations “to refrain from actions contrary to that objective and to the relevant existing treaties in the interest of maintaining international peace and security and promoting international cooperation”.
Council rejects amendment tabled by China and Russia
Members also rejected an amendment tabled by China and Russia, by a vote of seven in favour to seven against, with one abstention, failing to reach the required nine votes for an adoption.
The amendment suggested an additional paragraph, which would have had the Council call on “all States, and above all those with major space capabilities, to take urgent measures to prevent for all time the placement of weapons in outer space and the threat or use of force in outer space, from space against Earth and from Earth against objects in outer space, and to seek through negotiations the early elaboration of appropriate reliably verifiable legally binding multilateral agreements.”
For a full summary of this and other meetings of major UN bodies, visit UN Meetings Coverage in English and French.
© UN News (2024) — All Rights ReservedOriginal source: UN News
Where next?
Browse related news topics:
Read the latest news stories:
- Rising Temperatures Drive Human-Wildlife Conflict in Zimbabwe Friday, May 17, 2024
- Women Organize to Fight Coastal Erosion in Southeastern Brazil Friday, May 17, 2024
- More Diversified Trade Can Make Middle East & Central Asia More Resilient Friday, May 17, 2024
- UN rights office urges Sri Lanka to reveal fate of the disappeared Friday, May 17, 2024
- Israel refutes South Africa’s accusations at UN world court Friday, May 17, 2024
- Gaza: Aid delivery via floating dock welcomed, but land routes ‘more important’ Friday, May 17, 2024
- Crimes against nature: UN agency puts environmental legislation under scrutiny Friday, May 17, 2024
- UN’s rights chief says horrified by Sudan escalation as famine draws nearer Friday, May 17, 2024
- Afghan Women Struggle with Soaring Mental Health Issues Thursday, May 16, 2024
- Solomon Islands: A Change More in Style than Substance Thursday, May 16, 2024
Learn more about the related issues: