Russia vetoes U.N. resolution on Cyprus

[maddezmom]

Ambassador: Measure would improperly sway referendums

UNITED NATIONS - Russia used its veto Wednesday to block a resolution outlining new U.N. security arrangements in Cyprus that would take effect if Greek and Turkish Cypriots voted in favor of reunification this weekend.

~snip~

Russian Ambassador Gennady Gatilov said his country saw the resolution, which was up for consideration four days before Cypriots were scheduled to vote, as an attempt to influence the outcome of the referendums.

The text, drafted by Britain, ran into opposition by delegates who said they feared that any council action would be viewed by one or the other side in divided Cyprus as an attempt to interfere in their internal affairs.

But Russia, a close ally of Greece, argued forcefully against any council action before Saturday. Britain is the former colonial power in Cyprus, while the United States is seen pushing hard for reunification as part of a long-term campaign to bring Turkey closer to Europe.

~snip~
more: http://msnbc.msn.com/id/4799923/

Russia not going to be pushed around by the US. :)

[DarkPhenyx]

1. Yeah, but damnit!...

...peace on Cypress would be nice. *grumble*

[KamaAina]

2. And now, the rest of the story: U.S. wants a base on Cyprus

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/FD10Ak04.html

Now Washington wants to upgrade its half-century intelligence presence on the island into a full-fledged army base when - and if - the Greek and Turkish Cypriots sides agree on reunification. The Pentagon might begin by establishing a "bare-bones" military presence on the eastern Mediterranean island, following the possible reunification of the divided country, according to strategic analysts. That would facilitate US military interventions in the region....

"It's important that Cyprus not fall into hostile hands," a British security analyst said. "It's important to deny Cyprus to hostile powers."

There are high stakes in the region for Washington, not least of which are the energy markets of the Persian Gulf and North Africa, a booming military presence throughout the Caucasus and the ambitious Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. Should Cyprus evolve into an island of stability in the region, it could prove to be the ideal position from which to monitor the shifting tectonic plates of international diplomacy....

The base would be similar to those the Pentagon is constructing throughout strategic locations in East Africa and Central Asia. A possible move to Cyprus would be in harmony with the current realignment of the US presence in Europe, from Germany to Eastern Europe, while maintaining the focus of military operations on the Middle East.

There you have it, all wrapped up in a neat little package: it's all about imperialism and oil wealth.

This would certainly explain the Russian veto. "An attempt to influence the election", indeed! Pshaw!

[Minstrel Boy]

3. Can there please be at least one fucking country in the world

without a US military base?