U.N. General Assembly again overwhelmingly isolates Russia over Ukraine

UNITED NATIONS, March 24 (Reuters) – Practically three-quarters of the U.N. General Assembly demanded aid accessibility and civilian security in Ukraine on Thursday, and criticized Russia for building a “dire” humanitarian problem immediately after Moscow invaded its neighbor a single thirty day period in the past.

It is the second time the 193-member Common Assembly has overwhelmingly isolated Russia above what Moscow calls a “exclusive army procedure” that is says aims to destroy Ukraine’s armed service infrastructure.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has blasted Russia’s “absurd war.” Countless numbers of folks have been killed in Ukraine, hundreds of thousands made refugees, and towns pulverized in the earlier thirty day period. examine extra

The resolution adopted on Thursday, which was drafted by Ukraine and allies, gained 140 votes in favor and 5 votes versus – Russia, Syria, North Korean, Eritrea and Belarus – whilst 38 nations, which includes China, abstained.

Standard Assembly resolutions are nonbinding, but they carry political bodyweight. There was a spherical of applause in the hall just after the adoption on Thursday.

Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia described the resolution adopted on Thursday as a “pseudo humanitarian draft” that took a “a person-sided watch of the scenario.” He again accused Western nations around the world of a marketing campaign of “unprecedented pressure” to gain votes, a claim that the United States has rejected.

Ukraine and its allies experienced been searching to match or enhance on support been given for a March 2 Normal Assembly resolution that deplored Russia’s “aggression” and demanded it withdraw its troops. That acquired 141 sure votes, the same 5 no votes, even though 35 states – such as China – abstained. go through far more

‘ASTOUNDING SUCCESS’

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield described the vote on Thursday as an “astounding accomplishment,” telling reporters: “You will find truly no change amongst 141 and 140.”

The resolution adopted on Thursday requires the security of civilians, health care personnel, assist employees, journalists, hospitals and other civilian infrastructure. It also needs an end to the siege of metropolitan areas, in particular Mariupol.

Ukraine and Western allies have accused Moscow of attacking civilians indiscriminately. Moscow denies attacking civilians.

The resolution echoes the March 2 Standard Assembly textual content by once again demanding that Moscow prevent fighting and withdraw its troops from Ukraine.

South Africa experienced proposed a rival draft resolution that focused on the humanitarian scenario and did not point out Russia. Russia appealed for nations around the world to assistance that textual content.

The Common Assembly resolved not to act on the South African draft immediately after Ukraine known as a vote below a rule masking draft resolutions on the same concern.

The General Assembly vote came a single working day following a Russian-drafted resolution calling for help accessibility and civilian defense in Ukraine – and not mentioning Moscow’s role – failed at the U.N. Stability Council, with only Russia and China voting indeed and the remaining 13 users abstaining. examine extra

The Russian Security Council draft was very similar to the text put forward in the Basic Assembly by South Africa.

Reporting by Michelle Nichols
Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Alistair Bell

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Rely on Principles.