UPDATE 2- Russia vetoes UN resolution on Syria cross-border aid delivery through Türkiye

ADDS UN SPOKESPERSON'S REMARKS

By Betul Yuruk

UNITED NATIONS (AA) - Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution Tuesday seeking to extend cross-border aid delivery for nine months from Türkiye through a gate into northern Syria.

Thirteen other Security Council members voted in favor of the resolution drafted by Switzerland and Brazil. China abstained, but as Russia is a permanent Council member, its veto prevailed.

In a rival resolution, Russia insisted on only a six-month extension, but that was voted down.

Resolutions need nine votes to get through the Council and no veto by permanent members: Russia, China, France, US and UK.

The long-running aid operation, which has been in place since 2014 and allowed the delivery of aid to 4 million people in Syria through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing, expired Monday.

"Should any member state oppose this resolution, it will be voting to shutter a critical humanitarian lifeline today," US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said before the vote.

She accused Russia of failing Syrians.

"If the Council fails to renew this mechanism, it will send a message to Syrians that the council is willing to accept preventable additional suffering and loss of life on its watch," a group of 32 NGOs wrote in a letter to the Council.

Swiss Ambassador to the UN Pascale Baeriswyl said Brazil and Switzerland were "very disappointed" by the failure of their motion.

Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia accused the West of provoking Russia into using its veto, ignoring the interests of the Syrian people.

"We heard today and we'll probably hear later accusations against Russia that Russia killed the cross-border mechanism. This is dishonest and disingenuous," said Nebenzia. "If our draft is not supported, then we can just go ahead and close down the cross-border mechanism.”

Nebenzia added that Russia will not accept a “technical rollover” for any period.

"Russia has yet again used their veto to restrict lifesaving humanitarian access to 4 million Syrian people," said British Ambassador to the UK Barbara Woodward, whose country currently holds the rotating presidency of the 15-member Council.

"There is no rational or moral argument to veto this resolution. Humanitarian access should respond to humanitarian needs and should not be taken hostage by Russia," she added.

- UN chief 'disappointed'

The UN Secretary-General is disappointed that the Council failed to reach an agreement on extending the authorization of cross-border relief operations in Syria, according to his spokesperson.

''The Secretary-General calls on all Council members to redouble their efforts to support the continued delivery of cross-border assistance to millions of people in dire need in north-west Syria for the longest possible period,'' said Stephane Dujarric.

Dujarric said aid deliveries will continue through the Bab Al-Salam and al-Raee crossings which were opened following earthquakes in February and have been extended through Aug. 13.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad allowed the use of the two crossings for an initial period of three months.

“We will continue to advocate and push for expanding all avenues to deliver humanitarian assistance to millions of people in need in northwest Syria,” said Dujarric. “The renewal authorization is essential as Bab al-Hawa remains the center of gravity for cross-border response.”

Nearly 85% of aid that has reached northwest Syria by trucks, went through the Bab al-Hawa crossing, according to the UN.

- Russia to defend veto before General Assembly

Russia will have to defend its veto before the General Assembly within 10 days under a resolution.

The 193-member General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2022 to hold the five permanent members of the Security Council accountable for their use of a veto vote.