The following is my opinion as a member participating in this discussion.
The UN security Council has five permanent members
Great Britain
Russia
France
China
The United States.
Based on the Allies from WW2, and the foremost powers of the time.
Simply put, each of those members has a veto on Security Council issues. Should they decide to use that veto, the motion before the council is
dismissed, as they all must agree on it, or abstain to say they have no opinion. (which is seen as "tacit" agreement usually)
UN Security Council Veto Power
Also look at this
Negroponte doctrine
Which gives you an idea of US policy,
and this
The Veto and how to use it.
US: 77 vetoes. Blocked 36 resolutions criticising Israel.
Hope it helps.
As an ATS Staff Member, I will not moderate in threads such as this where I have participated as a member.
[edit on 4/1/09 by neformore]
[edit on 4/1/09 by neformore]
