As Syrian President Bashar al-Assad continues a bloody crackdown on his country, the United Nations voted overwhelmingly for a resolution condemning the Syrian government and supporting a plan calling for Assad’s removal from power.
Of the 193-member world body, 137 countries voted for the resolution. Seventeen countries abstained from the vote. Twelve countries voted no.
(AFP/GETTY IMAGES)
Though the resolution is not legally binding, it is seen as a strong international condemnation of the 11-month crisis in Syria. The United Nations says that about 5,400 Syrians have died in the clashes between government forces and protesters.
As soon as the overwhelming majority came back in support of the resolution, the question turned to: Which 12 countries voted no?
Here’s the list:
Bolivia
Belarus
Cuba
China
Ecuador
Iran
Nicaragua
North Korea
Russia
Syria
Venezuela
Zimbabwe
It’s striking to note that aside from Syria and Iran, no other Middle East country voted no. Two, however, did abstain: Lebanon and Algeria. The other 15 countries that abstained:
Angola
Armenia
Fiji
Cameroon
Comoros
Myanmar
Namibia
Nepal
Sri Lanka
St. Vincent
Suriname
Tanzania
Tuvalu
Uganda
Vietnam
View United Nations Syria Vote in a larger map
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