Russia, China veto US push for fresh election in Venezuela

Geneva [Switzerland], Mar 1 (ANI): Russia and China on Thursday vetoed a United States resolution in the United Nations Security Council to call for a fresh election in Venezuela and unhindered aid access.
In a 15-member council, the US draft gathered a minimum of nine votes with South Africa voted against it. It had forced Russia and China to use their veto power, reports Euro news. 
In addition to that Indonesia, Equatorial Guinea and Ivory Coast had abstained.
"We are seriously concerned about the fact that today's meeting may be exploited as a step for preparations of a real, not humanitarian, intervention ... as a result of the alleged inability of the Security Council to resolve the situation in Venezuela," Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said.
The United States and Russia have been blaming each other for the worsening political and economic situation in Venezuela. While Washington openly supported self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido, Moscow and Beijing are more inclined toward President Nicolas Maduro.
Violent clashes broke out in Venezuelan border towns near Brazil and Colombia on Saturday when a group of Guaido's supporters tried bringing in aid - which has been blocked by Maduro - into Venezuela. Since then, Guaido has claimed that aid has, in fact, reached the South American nation, outlining the people's rejection of Maduro's leadership. 
Venezuela has been in the throes of a political turmoil ever since Guaido proclaimed himself as the President of the nation on January 23. Protesters have called for Maduro's resignation, while a few international countries like France, Japan, Germany, amongst others, have called for fresh elections to be held in the nation. With no new elections announced, Maduro has time and again reiterated his intention of not stepping down.
The embattled President currently enjoys the Venezuelan military's allegiance, with reports claiming that there are over 320 servicemen who have defected to Colombia in recent days. (ANI)