A west-sponsored UN Security Council resolution against the Mugabe regime in Zimbabwe has died pre-maturely after Russia and China vetoed it. Russia said that the resolution would have meant interference in internal matters of Zimbabwe. It has conveniently forgotten another aim enshrined in the UN Charter- protection of human rights. China gave the argument that Mugabe’s actions in his country did not constitute any international security threat. It was futile to hope for anything better from China. A few months ago an arms-laden Chinese ship had tried to unload its cargo in South Africa headed for Zimbabwe. One of the aims of the UNSC resolution was to place an arms embargo on Zimbabwe. That would have meant blocking of a lucrative market for Chinese arms industry! Anyway the industry is booming on arms sales to many repressive regimes in Africa. Passage of the resolution would have meant start of a new trend of clamping down on all repressive governments in the continent. China wants to have excellent relations with all African governments in its search for minerals and oil. Human rights come last on its lists of priorities.
Moreover both Russia and China are wary of homilies on human rights given to them by the US and the west. They would hardly have support a resolution on the same matter in Zimbabwe. Both countries have shaky human rights record.
The vetoes also reflect the growing power of the two countries. It is meant as a clear hint to the west the its dominance in world affairs will not be tolerated and that they (Russia and China) have their own aspirations to wield greater power; human rights and democracy in Zimbabwe can take a walk! The Chinese hypocritically said using coercion against Mugabe would only hamper the advent of democracy in that country.
One of the motives of the west for the UN resolution was to protect the interests of its MNCs placed in Zimbabwe. Mugabe has been clamping down on foreign companies and wants Zimbabwean control of all businesses. Among others, Shell, the Anglo-Dutch oil giant, has announced its withdrawal. Russia and china will be glad to see the backs of such companies from Zimbabwe. It leaves a vacuum that will create opportunities to its own companies.
Source: TimesOnline
