News - World
China and Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution censuring Syria over its ill-treatment of anti-government protesters.
The resolution, drafted by Europeans, had been diluted to avoid potential vetoes. A direct reference to sanctions against Damascus had been dropped.
Moscow and Beijing wanted the inclusion of a provision against outside military intervention in Syria.
Washington was "outraged" by the vote, US envoy to the UN, Susan Rice, said.
Ambassador Rice walked out after the vote. She said that vetoing the resolution was a "cheap ruse by those who would rather sell arms to the Syrian regime than stand with the Syrian people."
More than 2,700 people have been killed in Syria since the crackdown started in March, according to the UN.
The Syrian government says it is in the process of introducing reforms and is talking to members of the opposition. It says armed gangs are responsible for the unrest.