U.S. Ambassador Claims Russia Holding UN 'Hostage' with Syria Veto

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power is criticizing Russia for using its veto power to hold the Security Council “hostage” over the issue of military intervention in Syria.

According to the Associated Press, Power believes Russia is “[shirking] its international responsibilities” and using its veto power to keep the U.N from supporting a U.S. led attack against Syria.

Russian President Vladimir Putin says he does not rule out backing military action against Syria “if it is proven that President Bashar al-Assad’s regime was behind an August 21 chemical weapons attack near Damascus.” However, Power notes that Russia has consistently vetoed action against Syria.

Said Power: “I have seen Putin’s comments. There is nothing in the pattern of our interactions with our colleagues in the Security Council, with our Russian colleagues, that would give us any reason to be optimistic.

Finally, Power criticized the structure of the U.N., saying: “The system has protected the prerogatives of Russia.”

Follow AWR Hawkins on Twitter @AWRHawkins.