S/2020/688 Security Council

I have the honour to inform you that the Security Council has concluded the voting procedure on the draft resolution contained in document S/2020/683, submitted by the Russian Federation in connection with the agenda item “The situation in the Middle East”. The voting was carried out as agreed by the members and in accordance with the procedure set out in the letter dated 27 March 2020 from the President of the Security Council addressed to the Permanent Representatives of the members of the Security Council (S/2020/253), which was agreed upon in the light of the extraordinary circumstances caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The Director of the Security Council Affairs Division has received letters from all 15 members of the Security Council indicating their national position on the draft resolution. The result of the vote is as follows: In favour: China, the Russian Federation, South Africa and Viet Nam. Against: Belgium, the Dominican Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America. Abstaining: Indonesia, the Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Tunisia. The draft resolution received four votes in favour, seven against and four abstentions. The draft resolution has not been adopted, having failed to obtain the required number of votes.