Russia vetoes UN Security Council resolution on the peaceful use of outer space

A draft resolution on the peaceful use of outer space, submitted by the US and Japan and co-sponsored by Turkey, was put to a vote at the 15-member UN Security Council.

The draft, which was vetoed by Russia, received 13 "yes" votes and 1 "abstention." China abstained. An amendment proposal submitted by Russia and China prior to the vote was not accepted as it failed to receive enough votes.

Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, argued in his statement before the vote that the text of the draft resolution was "limited and political" in nature and did not reflect the views of all members.

"THEN WHAT ARE YOU HIDING?"

Stating that no weapons should be placed in space, Nebenzia noted that this was why they had requested amendments.

Following the vote, US Permanent Representative to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield recalled that Russia had clearly declared it had no intention of placing nuclear weapons in space, asking, "Then why did you use your veto power today? If you are not supporting the resolution to comply with the rules, then what are you hiding?"

The draft resolution called on member states to conduct space exploration in accordance with international law and the UN Charter, and requested that member states contribute to peaceful use to prevent an arms race in space.

Pointing out that member states have an obligation to comply with the Outer Space Treaty, the draft resolution underscored that countries should not place nuclear weapons or weapons of mass destruction in space.

News Source: AA