S/2020/695 Security Council

I have the honour to inform you that the Security Council has concluded the voting procedure on the amendment contained in document S/2020/690, proposed by the Russian Federation, to the draft resolution contained in document S/2020/684, submitted by Belgium and Germany in connection with the agenda item “The situation in the Middle East”. The voting was carried out taking into account the extraordinary current circumstances relating to the Council’s practice and working methods 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 proposed amendment, contained in document S/2020/690, to the draft resolution contained in document S/2020/684. The result of the vote is as follows: In favour: China, the Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa and Viet Nam. Against: Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America. Abstaining: The Dominican Republic, Indonesia, the Niger and Tunisia. The proposal received five votes in favour, six against and four abstentions. The proposal was not carried, having failed to obtain the required number of votes.