un charter, chapter one article 2.7 says the russian and chinese are correct,, but, other chapters can be implemented if talking fails only if all agree.So we have a ways to go yet:-(

jonathan rose, Great torrington, uk

China, South Africa and Russia have all sold arms to Mugabe. For them to have a vote, let alone a veto, on any pronouncement like this is incomprehensible. In fact, the way the UN works is, and has always been, incomprehensible. Since when have they been united on anything?

David Ashton, Bathurst, Australia

Nothing "incomprehensible"about this.
China has backed and trained Mugabe and his goons since "independence" -recently failing to deliver a shipload of deadly arms.
Russia did the same for Mandela.
Both men are Marxist puppets,Mandela with a conviction for terrorism,and with blood on their hands

james allen, manchester, england

The United Nations Charter states that the UN is not authorized to intervene in the internal matters of any state. So, regrettably, it appears China and Russia are correct, that this is not within the mandate of the UN. Voting for the sanctions resolution would appear to violate the UN mandate.

Leo, Ottawa, Canada

The Russins and Chinese have shown the World that they have no interest in democracy by voting against the UN resolution on Zimbabwe. A sad day for the people who have been subjected to years od oppression in Zim and for an innefectual organisation with no teeth - the UN.

Neil Mackay, Melksham, England

People always hold bad thoughts about other countries. i think it's where the argument begins.
Let's stop it,creating a harmony world by trusting other countrymen.

Tom, London, UK

It was inevitable.

I assume Russia and China find Brown and Milliband's cynical, meaningless posturing over Zimbawe as amusing as I do.
There are 2 or 3 dozen African states whose denial of democracy and dictatorial behaviour are at least as bad as Zimbabwe. Why do we hear nothing about them?

chris neame, London , UK

Nothing short of military action will dislodge Mugabe.Sanctions will not work as they will hurt the common people.Mugabe and his band thieves can circumvent sanctions by going on weekly shopping trips China,South Africa and even Britain

benard jemwa, hitchin, uk

China and russia, both communist countries and therefore ruled by godless dictatorships.

Is it any wonder they don't see a problem with the explotation, torture and murder of innocent and wretched people?

kim, london,

Its time to kick the Russians out of the G8 and boycott the Beijing olympics.

Rick, Galena, OH , USA

Well done Russia! This is a message to Milliband: "If you want Russian co-operation, stop spitting on Russia first." How naive of British to expect Russia to jump at their command! The same applies to US. You can't expect Russia to be friendly and surround it with missiles at the same time.

Oleg, Toronto, Canada

China, methinks, has a potential financial interest in Zim. Russia, I don't know about. But, as far as conspiracy theories go, Africa is one of those last untamed areas of the world. The potential for agriculture (focus on world food shortages) is great. So, is Zim therefore a strategic location?

Leo, Stellenbosch, South Africa

"Incomprehensible." How naive is Milliband.
China, ane even Russia really, are run by dictatorships, and they are not going to vote for precedents for the democracies to interfere into the way they run their countries. Russia is angered by the missle defence system and will not cooperate.

William D H Carey, Schoten 2900, Belgium

So your argument is that Russia and China (whose own commitment to democracy is troubling) are using the deaths ,via violence and targeted starvation, of Zimbabweans as leverage to protect non-democratic Iran which is definitely not researching nuclear power to 'wipe Israel off the map'. Good shout

Ruairi Maxwell, London, UK

Where is the mystery? Both countries are likely to have leaders who have illegally accumulated assets overseas and at some future point of time may come under such measures themselves. This is to prevent a precedent from being set.

Ramana Rajgopaul, Pune, India

This is why I shall be having my own private boycott of the Olympics. A country which abuses its own people and colludes in the persecution of those in client states like Zimbabwe has no place hosting this festival of sport. It's time to stand up to the likes of China and Russia before it's too late

Paul Owen, Birmingham, UK

The UN is fundamentally flawed. It allows vile and repressive regimes to have equal say, when they do not offer the same process within their own countries.

End this farce. Scrap the UN and set up a Council of Democratically Elected Countries, then rigorously enforce the entry requirements.

John Weaver, San Javier, Spain

What is "incomprehensible" to Mr Milliband and his flock of sad busybodies is perfectly obvious to the rest of us.

It is called national sovereignty. Zimbabwe, South Africa, China and Russia have no need, or wish, to take instructions from Mr Milliband on how to proceed with their business.

Albert, Paris,

Britain must abide by the UN, else we cannot condemn others who ignore the UN. Order or anarchy? . . . make your choice!

andy, london,

The Chinese put selling gun's to Mugabe's gang before human rights but that's only to expected from them just look how they are reacting to people who may cause them a problem during the forthcoming games. As for Russia we have never been able to trust them since 1945 so why expect it now.

Dave, Mold, UK

Milliband should have mentioned the devious role played by South Africa who are fast showing their Communist colours.Their new "President" will be Zuma backed by the SA Communist Party and Trade Unions so it will get worse.We should get out of South Africa now.Stop all aid and investment.

Bill, Johannesburg, South Africa

Maybe this is just Russia and China's way of telling America and Britain to back of in other areas like Iran.

Udo, Melbourne, Australia

So bad for Britain !!!!
I think that the act of Russians and Chinees is a message for America to end his selfish movements in all the world (Iran).
Also Britain have to know that all what they think do is not allmost in the right form so let this nations resolve they problems alone...

Djerbiano, Tunisia, Tunis

This has nothing to do with Zimbabwe. If G Brown can hardly look at the Russian leader or shake hands with him at the G8 meeting and G Bush brings star war missiles at the Russian boarder, then don't expect Russian support on Zimbabwe.

david, london, uk

The majority of Zimbabweans are in favour of dialogue amongst the main parties under that auspices of Sadc and AU. Frankly, Milliband should listen to both sides of the political divide and not try to impose a solution based on input from one side. A home grown solution is better than an imposed one

Davis, Manchester,

The world just got a bit darker yesterday.
Freedom, self-determination, democracy has suffered a major blow at the hands of those who demand explicit obedience to thier dictatorial will. The UN is no longer open to those screeming for peace and freedom from oppression.

John, London, England

I hope now we see the end to all concessions to Russia's interests by the west. I'll be glad to see missile defense installed in the Czech Republic and accession of Georgia to the Nato Alliance.

james, london,