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FRANCE led two dozen foreign ministers at the United Nations in calling for veto-wielding security council members to waive their veto right on “issues that involve mass crimes like genocide.”
Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said the veto power had left the UN “paralysed” at key moments — thought to be a criticism of occasions when Russia and China have used it to to block initiatives from the three Nato veto-wielders — the United States, France and Britain.
He urged reform by next year’s 70th anniversary of the UN.
But Russia said the veto had often protected the UN from “doubtful undertakings,” while China suggested countries make more of an effort to reach consensus through dialogue if they were worried about a veto.
US ambassador to the UN Samantha Power declined to back France’s move, since Washington has used the veto more than any other country — mostly to shield Israel from international censure and to block condemnation of its illegal blockade of Cuba.
