UNITED NATIONS, May 20 -- The Security Council on Monday rejected a Russian request to discuss the enactment of a Ukrainian language law.
In a procedural vote, only five of the 15 members of the council voted in favor of the Russian request. Nine votes are required for the adoption of a contended provisional agenda item of the Security Council.
After the announcement of the provisional agenda, Francois Delattre, French ambassador to the United Nations, voiced objection, prompting the procedural vote. The French objection was backed up by Germany, the United States and Poland in their representatives' statements before the vote.
France, Germany, the United States, Poland as well as Britain and Belgium voted against the Russian proposal, and four other members abstained, effectively blocking the meeting.
In his remarks, the French ambassador said Russia's request for the meeting, which coincides with the inauguration of new Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, "clearly does not intend to contribute to the resolution of the Russia-Ukraine crisis," but to "put the new president of Ukraine in the worst light."
In his remarks before the vote, Russia's UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia argued that the new Ukrainian law "violates the spirit and letter of the Minsk Agreement, which the Security Council approved."
"We are talking about a violation of decisions by the Security Council," he said.
China voiced regret over the Security Council's rejection of the Russian request.
"We regret that the meeting was not able to be held as scheduled. We hope that members of the council will respect one another, maintain unity, and effectively fulfill the council's obligation of maintaining international peace and security," said Ma Zhaoxu, China's permanent representative to the United Nations.
As a member of the Security Council, Russia requested a meeting and proposed the timing for the meeting. That was in line with the Security Council rules of procedure, said Ma in an explanation of China's Yes vote for the Russian request.
China believes that the Security Council should play a constructive role in creating a favorable external environment for the proper settlement of relevant issues, promoting peace, stability and development in Ukraine, and achieving harmonious coexistence among the various ethnic groups in Ukraine and the peaceful coexistence of Ukraine and other countries in the region, said the Chinese ambassador.
The Ukrainian language bill was approved by Ukraine's parliament on April 25, and was signed into law by then President Petro Poroshenko on Wednesday. The law institutes Ukrainian as the official language of the country, requiring that it be used in the public sector.
文件显示美监听38处驻美使馆和代表团
国际英语资讯:Feature: Life returns to southern Yemeni cities controlled by southern forces
无奈的艰辛:上海工薪族的打折午餐
英国罕见“食羊植物”开花
国际英语资讯:Mogherini reaffirms EU stance on full implementation of Iran nuclear deal
国际英语资讯:Spotlight: For Middle East to take control of destiny amid changes, development matters
细菌将是地球最后生存的生物
国际英语资讯:News Analysis: Italian PM Conte gets started on his second stint as top mediator
你做好准备了吗?结婚前要问自己的6个问题
2013机器人足球赛中国队夺冠:世界杯圆梦了!
办公室恋情到底关不关老板的事
外媒关注中国屌丝:未来中国的主流消费群体
邻座喋喋不休 怎样享受安静旅程
付不起房租怎么办?英国大学生改住游艇
爱喝红茶吗?关于红茶你可能不知道的11大益处
国际英语资讯:Libyan navy rescues over 400 illegal immigrants
国际英语资讯:Malaysian PM urges country to unite for shared prosperity
国际英语资讯:Feature: Ethiopias Chinese-contracted industrial park ignites business, career optimism
英国将对亚非“高风险”国家游客收取3000英镑入境押金
国际英语资讯:Ramaphosa to position S.Africa as destination of choice for investors at WEF Africa
国际英语资讯:India, Pakistan hold talks over Kartarpur Sahib corridor
国际英语资讯:U.S. Chamber of Commerce warns of recession risk from escalating trade tensions
婚姻亮红灯时你犯傻了吗?情感专家非常规作战保卫爱情
国际英语资讯:German police officer suspected of sending right-wing extremist messages
国际英语资讯:Fire breaks out in factory in England
国际英语资讯:Estonian PM survives no-confidence vote
杜蕾斯iPhone联手让你的手机怀孕
贝克汉姆与维多利亚出席央视节目 现场秀恩爱
美国大学毕业生的买房故事
英国发明家造出会飞的自行车:最高能飞1200米