The United Nations Security Council on Saturday rejected a Russian-drafted resolution urging a ceasefire in Aleppo after Moscow vetoed a rival measure calling for an end to the bombing of the Syrian city. The measure was defeated by a vote of nine against, including Britain, France and the United States, four in favour and two abstentions in the 15-member council.
Earlier, Russia on Saturday vetoed a United Nations draft resolution demanding an end to the bombing of Syria's war-battered city of Aleppo, despite an appeal from France to save the city from destruction. It was the fifth time that Moscow used its veto to block UN action to end the five-year war in Syria, which has claimed 300,000 lives. The draft text presented by France won 11 votes in favour in the 15-member Security Council, but there were two votes against - including Russia - and two abstentions, notably from veto-holder China. French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault urged the council to take immediate action to save Aleppo from being destroyed by the Russia-backed Syrian bombing campaign.
As the vote got under way, the Syrian regime pressed its assault on rebel-held areas of Aleppo, where 125,000 people are living under siege and facing almost-daily heavy bombing. The council "must demand immediate action in order to save Aleppo," Ayrault said ahead of the vote.
Russia has presented its own rival draft text that urges a ceasefire but does not make any mention of halting the bombing campaign. Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said he expected that measure also to fail. "What is at stake today is first and foremost the fate of Aleppo and its people," Ayrault told the council.
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