Russia vetoes UN vote to extend key Syria aid route

Russia has blocked a nine-month extension of a key Syria aid route at the United Nations Security Council, throwing the vital mechanism that provides life-saving support to millions of people into doubt.
The UN-brokered agreement that allows for the delivery of aid overland from Turkey into rebel-held areas of Syria expired on Monday, but a vote scheduled for the same day to extend the authorisation was postponed.
On Tuesday, however, Russia exercised its veto to prevent a nine-month extension and instead suggested a six-month extension.
That however was also rejected by the Security Council, with only Russia and China voting in favour, and the United States, the United Kingdom and France against.
Aid groups say Bab al-Hawa crossing is a lifeline for the 4 million people in the rebel-controlled in northwest Syria.

Al Jazeera’s Shihab Rattansi reports from the UN headquarters in New York.

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