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 rejected the proposed measures, which included a freeze on financial assets and a travel ban.
There has been growing international criticism of Zimbabwe since the re-election of Mr Mugabe in a run-off boycotted by the opposition. The UK foreign secretary called China and Russia's stance "incomprehensible".
David Miliband said Russia used its veto despite a promise by President Dmitry Medvedev to support the resolution, when it was discussed at this week's summit of the G-8 group of industrialised nations.
So what does the world do now, it was always doubtful that China would go along with the West as they do a lot of trade with Zimbabwe but at least we thought the Russian would back sanctions and even the South Africans, now it appears we are back at square one. What can we do as individual like us do in situations like this? Nothing, but our Govenment should be able to someting but I doubt they will do nothing apart from sending a strongly worded letter.
