China and Russia block a UN Security Council resolution seeking to restore an independent panel to monitor possible violations of sanctions on Iran.
UNITED NATIONS: China and Russia have vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution seeking to restore an independent panel of experts tasked with monitoring possible violations of sanctions imposed on Iran.
The proposed resolution would have brought back the expert panel to assess compliance with the sanctions regime and report its findings to the 15-member Security Council. The panel would also have been responsible for recommending further action where necessary.
The vote followed the reimposition of sanctions on Iran under the relevant international framework, prompting renewed discussions among Security Council members over mechanisms for monitoring compliance and investigating alleged violations.
China and Russia used their veto powers to block the measure, preventing the resolution from being adopted by the Security Council.
Under the proposal, the independent expert panel would have examined alleged violations of restrictions on Iran, documented developments and provided assessments to council members. Its restoration was intended to strengthen international oversight of the sanctions regime.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf welcomed the vetoes by China and Russia. He said the decision rejected what he described as the political exploitation of the Security Council and reaffirmed the principle of the rule of law.
Ghalibaf also said the move demonstrated opposition to using international institutions for political purposes. He praised China and Russia for opposing the proposed resolution.
The vote highlights continuing divisions within the Security Council over how the international community should approach Iran and enforce sanctions against the country.
The disagreement also reflects differences among major powers over mechanisms for monitoring Iran’s compliance with international restrictions and determining how alleged violations should be addressed.
The vetoes therefore prevent the proposed independent monitoring mechanism from being restored through the resolution, leaving the Security Council divided over the next steps concerning oversight of Iran sanctions.
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