Russia and China block referral of Syria to ICC

Russia and China, using their veto powers, blocked a draft UN Security Council resolution that called for the crisis in Syria to be referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC), reports The Guardian.

Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Vitaly Churkin labelled the resolution as a publicity stunt that would have hindered efforts to bring peace to Syria.

The Us Ambassador to the UN, Samantha Power, condemned the actions of Russia and China at the Security Council.
“The Syrian people will not see justice today. They will see crime, but not punishment. The vetoes today have prevented the victims of atrocities from testifying at The Hague," said the US ambassador.

The British Foreign Secretary, William Hague added,
“I am appalled by Russia and China’s decision to veto a non-political resolution to refer all those responsible for war-crimes and crimes against humanity, regardless of affiliation, to the ICC”

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