UN takes step to put veto users under global spotlight

By EDITH M. LEDERER
Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. General Assembly has taken a first step to put the five permanent members of the Security Council under the spotlight when they use their veto power. The issue has been highlighted by Russia’s veto that has paralyzed any action by the U.N.’s most powerful body on the Ukraine war. The resolution was adopted Tuesday by consensus in the 193-member assembly. It does not limit the veto power of the permanent members — United States, Russia, China, Britain and France. But it will require the General Assembly to hold a debate on any situation that sparks a veto.