Russia and China have again vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution that threatened Syria with more sanctions.

      It was the third time in nine months that Russia and China used their powers as permanent members of the 15-nation council to block resolutions on Syria. On реу whole there were 11 votes in favor of the resolution, South Africa and Pakistan abstained from voting and China and Russia voted against it.

      In his address to the Council, Russian Representative to the UN Vitaly Churkin accused West of thinking only of "its own geopolitical interests, which have nothing in common with those of the Syrian people."

      In his turn, Britain's UN envoy Mark Lyall Grant accused Russian and China that "they have chosen to put their national interests ahead of the lives of millions of Syrians."

      The resolution was drawn up by Britain and threatens non-military sanctions against President Bashar al-Assad's regime. It is tied to Chapter 7 of the UN Charter allows the 15-member council to authorize actions ranging from diplomatic and economic sanctions to military intervention. Russia and China are sure allowing such a resolution to pass could create a repeat of the so-called 'Libya scenario.'

      A Russia-backed resolution was scheduled to be presented to the UNSC as well, but Churkin said the draft will not be put to a vote, after some members, including Britain and U.S., of the Council refused to even discuss it. It was one of the reasons why Russian had to veto the U.S. resolution.

      Vitaly Churkin has said Russia is ready to support a draft resolution on a technical extension of the UN observer mission in Syria for 45 days, which was submitted by Pakistan on Thursday. The UN Security Council is expected to vote on both drafts on Friday.