A draft resolution to impose sanctions on Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and a number of his key allies has been vetoed at the UN Security Council.

China and Russia both rejected the proposed measures, including a freeze on their financial assets and travel.

There has been growing international criticism of Zimbabwe since the re-election of Mr Mugabe in a run-off boycotted by the opposition.

Several council members had previously expressed reservations about sanctions.

The South African ambassador to the UN had earlier argued against sanctions.

A BBC correspondent at the UN says the failure of the resolution will be a major blow for the Mbeki in Harare for crisis talks ...
Zimbabwe to face presidential run-off vote ...
Senegal FM: Mugabe will accept run-off result ... United States and Britain.

The UK ambassador said after the vote that the UN had failed in its duty.

(BBC)

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