Chinese envoy criticizes U.S. handling of resolution on South Sudan sanctions

Geneva [Switzerland], May 31: A Chinese envoy on Friday expressed dissatisfaction with the U.S. role in the adoption of a Security Council resolution on South Sudan sanctions.
During consultations on the draft resolution, the African members of the Security Council put forward a proposal to allow the exemption of the arms embargo for the Necessary Unified Forces. It is a reasonable and feasible solution at the current stage, said Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.
However, the United States, as the penholder, insisted on its national position, disregarded the strong demand from the country concerned, refused to fully discuss the constructive views of the regional countries, and insisted on keeping the sanctions, he said in an explanation of vote. "This is disappointing."
The penholder delayed the consultation process and reduced the limited window of time. It never formally sought the written comments on the text of the draft resolution from other council members, and pushed for a vote while there were still clear differences among members, obviously not in line with the established practices of the council, said Sun.
"These practices undermine the council's unity and cooperation. We urge the penholder to take an objective and impartial approach, listen to the reasonable demand of the country concerned and the countries in the region, work to bridge differences between council members, and effectively shoulder its due responsibilities," the Chinese envoy said.
Source: Xinhua