U.S. Vetoes UN Observers Force in West Bank, Gaza

(March 27, 2001)

The United States used its veto power to kill a U.N. Security Council resolution that would have urged creation of an international observer force to protect civilians in the West Bank and Gaza.

The vote was 9 to 1 with 4 abstentions and Ukraine not voting. In favor were Bangladesh, Colombia, Jamaica, Mali, Mauritius, Singapore, Tunisia, Russia and China. Abstaining were Britain, France, Ireland and Norway.

"The United States opposed this resolution because it is unbalanced and unworkable and hence unwise," chief American representative James Cunningham told the council. "It is more responsive to political theater than political reality."

Source: Reuters, (March 28, 2001).