No sanctions, not now not ever. Let the talks continue and succeed. A govt of unity under the leadership of Robert Mugabe and his ZANU-PF party can lead to peace and success in Africa. This is what President T Mbeki is working towards. Peace be upon him

Winston Nkomo-Mason, Johannesburg, South Africa

RPS, London, UK

Yes, you are right. The world's only superpower and its assistant can do what they like as in Iraq's case. The world is at their mercy. If we don't wake up and rise up we will be indirectly "colonized" again. By the way, is this democracy at work?

Lim , Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Why must things be seen in terms of victory and defeat. A veto is used and that is the spirit of democracy. Terms were agreed on way back when between the P5 so there is nothing to complain about. Democracy at work thats all!

Glynn, Kingston,

Peter Ellis, Calpe, Spain

You speak it out loud and clear. In the minds of the West, it is oil and the natural resources of other countries that matters. By hook or by crook you need to control it lest it goes in favour of others. Right?
130708

Lim Hing Thing, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Russia/China are absolutely right. Africa has scores of horrible murderous dictatorships, but for some reason (guilt for destroying Rhodesia?) the west has an idee fixe about Zimbabwe, which is rather a nice place compared to say Burundi, the Congo, or Ivory Coast.

Ron Kantor, Lansfield, USA

Why have sanctions on top of another while talks are underway? apperantly Europe is telling its companies to withdraw fro Zim do they realy need this UN or they can do as they like? oh who is going to suffer from this sanctions Mugabe or the masses who dont even want him? sanctions are not the answe

Kwena Mokgohloa, Pretoria, South Africa

Mugabe told his friends in China and Russia that he needed help to stay in power. Veto any sanction as Mugabe and his people will not have food to eat. His army keeps it from voters who want a different president. The UN has been useless as even Clinton said so by not paying American contribution

Gene, Gebüg, Germany

If the UK and US truly wanted to do something about this issue they would, despite of what other permanant members of the UN council vote, for example invasion of Iraq. However in this case an invasion of Zimbabwe would be utterly pointless as there is no economic benefits.

RPS, London, UK

How come Barclays, De Beers are not TOLD by USG /HMG to get out of Zim, yet Big Oil has pulled out of Iran under sanctions? Ask yourselves; which is more honourable & less risky?: invading Iraq, bombing Iran or taking out Mugabe a la US attempted hit on Gaddaffi? HMG is hiding behind UN skirts

tim, london,

More Western inability to understand how others think? Most ordinary Chinese were merely irritated by the naive Olympic torch protests. Maybe the Chinese perceive that sanctions would increase internal support for Mugabe just as the torch protests increased support for the Chinese government

John Hardy, Redditch, UK

Over the past two months the British government and the media had been obsessed with Zimbabwe .The disgusting thing is that they never displayed that obsession and concern about other struggling and troubled African countries like Darfur or Congo.

Ajay, Birmingham, West Midlands

neil, almere , The Netherlands
Like it or not, I still believe the US end gain in Iraq has been achieved - control of Iraqi oil.
What Russia and China had done was on matter of principles. Intervention and further sanctions will only aggravate the situation in Zim. Not a response to West actions.

Lim , Johor Bahru, Malaysia

According to 2006 figures The USA and the UK between them pay 28.13% of the UN budget. It is about time a Value for Money appraisal was carried out.

When will the West learn that the UN and AID costs are doing no good at all.

All talking and no action thats the UN

Ian, Watford,

john, sydney, australia

Forget about Sanctions, forget about boycott. These don't work effectively. If you and your friends boycott the Olympics the Chinese would have no choice but to carry on without you.
If all the nations in UN were to vote on the US resolution, it would be defeated again.

Lim , Johor Bahur, Malaysia

Well we have made such a good job interfering in Iraq maybe this is the correct decision. Brown will probably pledge another lump of money to Africa to fight some disease which is an excellent idea because then the presidents can all have new cars and planes....when will the West learn,

neil, almere , The Netherlands

You ever curse &swear before posting a blog & then have to articulate that in words that can be posted... well to China & Russia I'm not surprised , they arent democracies & but for a few nut jobs dont represent their people. But S.Africa...what are they thinking, 2mil more Zims coming your way

Ben, Maidenhead, UK

Actually guys, the UK & US rendered the UN irrelevant, when they went ahead with the illegal invasion of Iraq. Russia and China voted how they saw fit. That is what the UN is all about, a broad spectrum of perspectives from member nations. This provides balance.

Tina, Dublin, Ireland

JC, London, UK

Aids with strings are not aids. To you the Africans must listen to you when you give aid to them? Is this the humanity you are talking about? Why do people rather die than receive aid and be controlled? A day will come when you the West will need help and you will not like it.

Lim , Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Why are we even bothering. Africa is a lost cause so we should just leave them to it and stop wasting our tax money on them

John, Salford, England

Why not simply end the U.N. farce. Turn out the lights, lock the doors and go home. This way huge sums of wasted money could be diverted towards more productive uses.

Dave, Knysna, South Africa

The West is like an old man confused befuddled and all that was certain for so long is now laughable. Imagine compromising your interests to intervene in a family feud and in Africa of all places! We are the laughing stock - only one thing to look forward to - a wake up call - war and depression.

haralambos, joburg,

boycott beijing 2008, boycott SA 2010. what happend to the UN human rights commission?

matty, frankfurt, germany

Charan Muzaya, UK -You ought to stop peddling falsehoods. Education for black Zimbabweans was severely restricted.How many black doctors were trained during Smith's reign?Not a single lawyer was trained during that time.The low life expectancy is due to Aids/HIV,lack of medication due to sanctions.

Davis, Manchester,

At heart, we are surely not surprised by this result? Running rings round western diplomacy is a game that the new axis of China and Russia enjoy playing. We and the Americans are pretty stupid to believe that the mineral wealth of Africa is going to be jeopardized by the new world powers.

Peter Ellis, Calpe, Spain

Russia's response is pay back time wrt Kosovo, missile shield etc & was predictable, save our naive For' Sec. When it was Iraq the west ignored Sec Council; but after the cost of Iraq they now revert to UN solution - Want support? Ask Barclays, Be Beers et al to leave. Applied to Iran, why not Zim?

tim, london,

I have said before and say it again: Britain is morally bound to evacuate all the Europeans in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe and compensate them for their losses.Countries of their choice for re-settlement (they can claim racial and political refugee status) with assuredly benefit in the long run.

Jack, Perth, Western Australia, Australia

International hypocrisy has come full circle. If we can't even defend our own fellow members of the Commonwealth what hope is there?

Richard Hoblyn, Limoges, FRANCE

Be aware that endless photos of starving African children may not have the opposite effect to the one you are plumbing for.

haralambos, joburg,

I think it is time the West said to Africa. If you want aid goto your friends China and Russia. Tell Bob and Bono to sort out the corruption before we give another cent or penny.

If the UN won't impose sanctions then US and EU must.

WE TRIED, NOW THIS IS NOW AN AFRICAN ISSUE.

JC, London, UK

Let us all veto the chinese olympic games then perhaps china and her hug like allies may get the message that violence against innocent civilians in Zimbabe will not be tolerated. Magabe should be charged with crimes against humanity I doubt the cocktail set at the united nations has the courage.

john, sydney, australia

As a Zimbabwean I am dismayed at the political games being played by China,Russia and South Africa while my brothers and sister lose their lives in Zim. Is it so difficult to stand on priinciple!?.We will now be calling for a boycott of the Beijing Olympics

Hilton Mendelsohn, Manchester , UK

Given that Russia and China have among the world´s worst human rights records, why should we be surprised? Of course they don´t care about justice in Zimbabwe. But they´d like to take any opportunity to thwart Western initiatives. Africa´s always been a target for other agendas.

A L Sen, Malaga, Spain

interesting:the african nations are too quiet: where are yar'adua and other african leaders with a bit of clout when they are needed?

grindles, london, england

There is no future for the UN security council. China and Russia do not share the values and morals of the developed world. I look forward to the disbanding of this defunct organisation.

Stuart Campbell, London, United Kingdom

"This is the Victory of democracy against the Exploitation of Africa."

'Democracy' seems to have a very flexile meaning in the mouths of dictators and their apologists

We've head 'Chinese democracy' mentioned, now perhaps this is 'African democracy'

Mike, Nottm, UK

It's great to see so many people with such strong feelings on this topic, but what has anyone done on a personal level to make things better. Ranting on the internet has not changed anything.

Mike, Birmingham, UK

Dr. Wang, Mayfair, London, UK

It's true that sanctions don't seem to be that effective but talking only works when both sides are rational & interested in reaching some sort of mutually agreeable settlement, would talking to Hitler, Stalin , Pol Pot or Mao have been effective - No

Mike, Nottm, UK

"How can a UN democratic resolution fail when 9 countries vote in favour and 5 vote against? Oh yeh veto......." - Marc

The 9 represent a population of 525 million people. The 5 represent a population of 1481 million people.

The white empires have too much influence in the UN, not too little.

Richard Cheeseman, Wellington, NZ

Yeah.

Sanctions have were a great success with
Iran
Cuba
Iraq
Sudan

eh?

Pete, Cov,

So, we should ignore the plight of people within the borders of a country. That kind of thinking tolerated the atrocities of Nazi Germany, genocide in Rwanda, and on-going menaces in Zimbabwe, Darfur, DR Congo, Burma, Tibet... Let's turn away while China profits on their suffering. SHAME on us all!

K Edwards, London, UK

"This is no different to the US vetoing every criticism of Israel."

Well said, Farrukh. In fact, it is not so bad. At least China and Russia can justify their vote by referring to international law, something that the US and the UK have stopped respecting.

Peter, Coventry,

Let Mugabe have his fun.....ultimately, he'll only be replaced by another tribal orientated dictator..just check your history books... it's genetic....keep your noses out !

PR, Manchester,

Sanctions are the simplest, the cheapest and the most irrespobsible way of conducting int'l diplomacy.Burma?N. Korea? It never works. Truely want to help Zimbabwe ppl? Talk to them and assist them to improve. China & Russain are not for Mugabe per se. Good intentions are not based on sanctions.

E. Wong, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Is any one really surprised? Dictators stick together- they do not want a precedent that might affect themselves. And there are rich pickings in Africa.
All Western aid should be directed thru charitable organisations - NOT FROM GOVTs to the back pockets of politicians of aid receiving countries.

M. Cawdery, CRAIGAVON, Co. UK, EU.

You see the game that is being played is that China and Russia want to cuddle up to Zimbabwe ,not because they support him but they want the Countries assets such as minerals, oil etc I hope any new Zimbabwe Govt will recognise this and throw out Chinese and Russians who have supported Moogabe.

Alex, Capetown, SA

Even more proof that the UN shouldn't be looked to to solve any serious problem we face- anyone who wants the UN to solve the environment, feed the starving, or deal with dictators should look at reality- the only country with the moral conviction to do those things is the good old USA!

Kyle, Detroit, USA

An expected result the old Soviet Putin and China fostering self interest
Civil war is looming in Zim and the traditional suppliers are vieing to ply their wares.
Peace in Africa is not sort by arms peddlers
The West gives grain others give bullets and rifles and so take the grain

peter faux, burrum heads, Australia , Queensland

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

david, london, uk

There're indeed only 2 ways in reality:
1. sanctions, which only put you on top of moral high horse
2. talk & help, which can solidly improve ground-zero in long run

We've already seen clear patterns: Burma, North Korea, Sudan, Iran, etc. Sanctions really help solving the problems? No chance!

Dr. Wang, Mayfair, London, UK

After all the wringing of hands and how terrible is the Zimbabwe Mugabe situation, what do you propose doing. I mean you Brits? My guess is just more wringing of hands or sitting on them. Ah well, what's a few hundred thousand slaughtered--- a mere bagatelle.

David. B. Monier-Williams, Scottsdale, US/ AZ

The British and Imperialist Policies have been defeated.for sure now the Two Super Power will lean for the help of the European Union to destroy once and for all Zimbabwe, that stood tall against them. This is the Victory of democracy against the Exploitation of Africa.

African Refugees News

Mahari Seghid, Berlin, Germany

world leaders sink to the depths of 'fighting talk' over the insanity of one dictator. Have we not been here before? and have world leaders not matured any further at all? I will speak for ordinary people in saying that we expect, indeed demand more than this childish bickering.

M Stephens, Manchester, UK

China, and notably Russia expect to be respected internationally and yet they support the actions of a violent dictatorship.

One can't help think that this is purely another snub to the West, what a showcase of their influence in the 21st century.

Adam Hunt, London, UK

Wake up, guys. No one here even thinks twice before commenting that why Zimbabwe's neighbour South Africa, the superpower of Africa, was also against the sanction???

China and Russia did the right thing because sanctions can hardly help, but just distance poor Zimbabwe further from the world.

Dr. Wang, Mayfair, London, UK

Diplomats are inconsistent creatures at the best of times changing the argument to suit political masters who have no shame. It has long been the practice for diplomats to stop meddling in the internal affairs of any nation - except of course when the UK argues for "liberal intervention".

Brian Lewis, Manila, Philippines

Dave,you say we need peace in Zim , mind u Zim is not at war.It is the US & UK propaganda pictures they paint on your news channels that make u think Zim is at war ,yet the troubles in Zim are being caused by the US & UK.They should accept our sovereignty.Thats why Tsvangirai is confused.

Monica Bethel, Harare, Zimbabwe

Given the UK's colonial past, it should be the last country to be advocating anything for Africa let alone Zimbabwe. If I were Mugabe, it would irk me no end that the country that was the driving force behind colonialism and Rhodesia is telling me to resign as president. What right do they have ?

John Taylor, London,

Each country government can individually intitiate an embargo then you can blame and shame!

Dr. A Kracht, Norden, Germany

Lim in Malysia.

These are guilty old men who still hang on to their redundant ideas. Just like Mugabe and his henchmen. These old guys know nothing of humanity or freedom of speech. The CCP and supporters are the bad fly in the ointment of the UN and the rest of the world. It will be removed.

Colin, Cambridge, United Kingdom

Ros from Surrey is talking about aid to Africa by the West. It is a big con. For every one pound the West gives it takes back more than double in return by way of unfair trade practices. Is any one listening?

Ajay, Birmingham, West Midlands

We all have humanity. The Sichuan earthquake is a show of great humanity. Russian rescue teams and others were there to help. Aid & help were sent to Myanmar. So the world all do have humanity. It is how humanity help is extended. Western threats and sanctions is not the way forward.
120708

Lim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

You wonder why zimbabwe posters are in favor of china and russian actions. How many people in zimbabwe who oppose Mugabe do you think have access to computers and the internet? Not many I imagine. So zimbabweans who support china and russia are most likely members of Mugabes party.

Kristina Jensen, Copenhagen, Denmark

Oh look the West speaking and preaching about "Human Rights" when they are the biggest violator of the concept.You use it as a tool to varnish up your double standards when furthering your interests and have no problem throwing it out the window when your interests are threatened/need protection

Brundi, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Oh look the West speaking and preaching about "Human Rights" when they are the biggest violator of the concept.You use it as a tool to varnish up your double standards when furthering your interests and have no problem throwing it out the window when your interests are threatened/need protection

Brundi, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

I've had enough of all this bickering about chinese or russian rights or wrongs, lets not forget this debate is about the zimbabwian people, and what we can do to help them out of their dire situation.

rob, liverpool,

Oh look the West speaking and preaching about "Human Rights" when they are the biggest violator of the concept.You use it as a tool to varnish up your double standards when furthering your interests and have no problem throwing it out the window when your interests are threatened/need protection

Brundi, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Oh look the West speaking and preaching about "Human Rights" when they are the biggest violator of the concept.You use it as a tool to varnish up your double standards when furthering your interests and have no problem throwing it out the window when your interests are threatened/need protection

Brundi, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Oh look the West speaking and preaching about "Human Rights" when they are the biggest violator of the concept.You use it as a tool to varnish up your double standards when furthering your interests and have no problem throwing it out the window when your interests are threatened/need protection

Brundi, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Lim in Malaysia.

'Hate blinds and even kills'

The CCP certainly kills. We see their weapons in use in Zimbabwe at the moment. The mentioned marxist old men are their supporters both in the UK and elsewhere. They are equally complicit and guilty as the Chinese Government.
Boycott the Olympics

Boris, Belgravia, London

Charan Muzaya, London, UK

I could not have phrased it better myself.

Mike, Nottm, UK

Those who continuously criticise the US should ask themselves what sort of a world it would be if China or Russia (with their current leadership) were to be in the same military/economic/technological position.

Richard, Norwich, UK

There's something very special about this moment: We're stuck, it hurts, it's very clear. Perfect conditions for reflection and we probably will. If I were religious, I'd pray for patience and wisdom in the way we work with this opportunity.

Hugh Riddle, Littlestone, UK

Commonsense has prevailed. Instead of condemning China and Russia, surely they should be applauded for upholding the principles of UN charter?The majority of Zims are very pleased that the sanctions have been vetoed.Ndinonziani (Harare) is confriming that view as well.Now lets give peace a chance.

Davis, Manchester,

For all those that decry Western imperialism and colonialism. Take note: it is cold war Marxist socialist communism that has won and with a bigger body count!

UN: United Nothing! Waste of space, forum for the deluded!

Alan, Luton,

This is no different to the US vetoing every criticism of Israel. And sadly in both cases, it is the vast majority of innocent everyday civilians who will suffer.

Farrukh, Woking,

Mugabe is an utter disaster for Zimbabwe. But so have Bush/Blair been for the world. Russia and China are playing their own games. China in Africa and Russia fighting back o US missile in Poland. Things may begin to change a bit next year. We all must hope so.

William Thomson, Guildford, UK

Stop all aid to Africa from Western nations and spend it on our armed forces. Russia and China will need to be stood up to sometime soon.

Develop our own energy sources and tell Russia to stick theirs and boot them out of G8.

Suggest that all western populations ignore the Beijing Olympics

Guy, London, UK

Kick out of UN, international accords, Russia and China. Western countries withdraw from Olympics (which will be fiasco).
Start consumer movement not buy Chinese, Russian goods. Idiots who support Mugabe, China, Russia, Mbeki, imagine its your wife/sister being raped. Your child smashed in face.

Leigh Vernier, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The UN veto power must be abolished. The decisions must be made by a two thirds majority of all security members. But I think there is no change ever as no doubt one of the countries would veto it- a lack of foresight by the founders of the UN.

FJ, Glos,

Ros, Surrey, indeed the West has poured lots of money into Africa & Zim, they have also taken a lot of money out of the continent over the years and close examination of much "aid" shows it comes with strings attached & ultimately benefits the donor more. We should trust the charities more than Gov

Dale, Australia,

Ndinonziani, Harare, Zimbabwe
My brother you are indeed right to the core. Africans definitely know about their region than anyone else.
So far I see only some western people crying out as if they own the world. This is just a general description. There are good westerners too as in all others.

Lim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

I'm surprised that anyone else is surprised. You are talking of two nations which themselves delight in repression of all sorts both within (Tibet, Chechnya) and without (Taiwan, Georgia).

Humanity is unknown to them.

leila , manchester, uk

Colin, Carmarthen, UK said: "any old-man marxists left in the UK who still support the CCP then they should keep their guilty mouths shut."

Hate blinds & even kills. Colin where is that humanity & freedom (of speech) you preached? If not in your favour they can't even speak? Why?
120708

Lim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

you open with
"Britain’s diplomatic strategy in Zimbabwe collapsed last night"

how very true. it is BRITAIN'S failed strategy. you caused this problem supporting mugabe against smith and now want the UN to break its mandate and get britain out of the ensuing mess.

SIR bob rules. send polonium now

peter jones, moscow, russia

This is sad for Zimbabwe, but in the bigger picture it shows the west the true colours of our new "friends".
Wake up Western Civilization! We need a new Ronald Reagan!

Robert, Maesteg, Great Britain

China & Russia care tuppence about Zimbabwe or any other nation. They are 100% for their own interests only. Have you ever heard of a Russian/Chinese relief organisation like Red Cross or Oxfam? According to Russia & China, if the Zimbabwean govt murders half its population it's an internal matter!

Charan Muzaya, London, UK

ok, if china wants it that way let us,uk, usa and france boycott the games that will really show how great they are

michael boodell, oxford, great britain

Why are so many of these anti Russia/China posters from the West?
Though Zimbabweans commenters are few they are in favour of the Russian/Chinese action.

Andy, Washington, DC, USA - Birds of a feather do flock together especially the Western birds.

120708

Lim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

We have seen our fair share of movies over the years, Schindlers List, The Killing Fields, and Hotel Rwanda and struck in awe and said why did no-one stand up, why didn't other countries intervene. All too often we act too late. Will a movie about from horrors from Zimbabwe be the next movie.

John , Derby, UK

Well done Russia and China - He might be a thug, but we all know what a success Afghanistan and Iraq have been due to Western intervention.

Kat, Cambridge,

britain, whats your addiction on zimbabwe? yes over 100 people have been killed but thats a sunset figure in DRCongo, and thats a hourly figure in somali and dafur, why are you silent on goverments on these countries?

ralph, manchester, uk

Boycott the Olympics, or diplomats (with immunity) should stage symbolic demonstrations inside the stadium, both for Zimbabwe and Tibet. If the atheletes themselves became involved, would China really put them in jail?
China should be shamed for profiteering by second hand mass rapes and murders.

Mark Johnson, Liverpool,

G Gibson...who would even bother invading Australia? Even the Empire that owned it for centuries couldn't really be bothered to keep it.

rob lee, London, UK

Why does the west even listen to Russia & China (one a badly manged service station and the other the worlds most powerful toy making nation).

Dan, London, England

I agree with Marc from Paris. We should boycott the Olympics.The AU have virtually closed ranks also. There are plenty of other area requiring Aid. It sounds cruel but we must review the money we send in this direction particularly with the problems we have at home.

V Cooper, Yeovil, UK

No country has the right to interfere with other country's internal affairs. UK and USA are not exemptions.They are two of the darkest countriea in the world. What they really care about is not the right and freedom of Zimbabwe but their own interests.

walliam, Nantong , China

Yes, Mugabe's regime killed 80-120 persons in a few months.
Also, US killed 47 civilians in a few minutes in Afghanistan or Contractors in Iraq killed 67 civilians in Iraq in 1 month.
What is the difference?
Zimbabwe will be pushed until it surrenders its oil and land to multinational corporations

savo, london, uk

What goes around comes around...

The UK and US governments are supporting a just as a corrupt and dictatorial regime in Georgia, because it suits their interests - strategically.

Then they cry foul, when Russia objects to teaming up with them in similar political areas. What do people expect?!!!

Victor, Moscow,

you should know the fact, not your media and government

walliam, Nantong , China

How can a UN democratic resolution fail when 9 countries vote in favour and 5 vote against?

Oh yeh veto.......

The UN is a failure, as democratic as Zimbabwe, only people arent dying there over their latees and doghnuts.

I apologise to the Zimbabweans, we have failed you and your dead.

Marc, Antrim,

I have witnessed the atrocities of Russia and those of China for my entire life. Regardless of anyone's opinion the West has stood for what is good for freedom of its citizens while the others stand up for the repression of theirs! BTW I am married to a former Chinese citizen. I know the truth.

Steve, Greenville, SC, USA

The veto by China was predictable and entirely in line with their game. They have dirty fingers in many countries. There is doubtless another Chinese arms shipment on the way. If there are any old-man marxists left in the UK who still support the CCP then they should keep their guilty mouths shut.

Colin, Carmarthen, United Kingdom

This spells the end of the United Nations. Now we can all see and feel the chilling east wind of repression and abuse of human rights extending far from home. There will indeed be a dangerous re-alignment of power and re-invigoration of totalitarianism worldwide led by Russian and China.

Alastair, Rye, UK

what Zimbabwe and Africa really does NOT need is another war, apparently the only thing that AngloAmerican "diplomacy" is good at. It is no miracle that after the Iraq-resolution and its reading by Bush and Blair no more tough resolutions come through, because they would be a used as a fig leave.

stefan, southampton,

All countries should Veto the Olympic games in China, and anyone banking with Barclays should move.

Ritchie Thomas, Wrexham,

For those who say that UN is a democratic body & should promote democracy, I think they forget that the existence of VETO makes democracy nonexistent in the UN. I am for the ABOLISHMENT OF VETO for ALL members (France, UK, USA, Russia & China)

Rad, Jakarta, Indonesia

Furthermore Western nations should start immediately to strengthen their armed services to match chinese and russian growth. Now is not the time for complacency as Russia and China are making it clear that they will do as they please, thru might or other, to further their dominance.

Kristina Jensen, Copenhagen, Denmark

This is an African problem and Africa needs to take a stand against Mugabe, not the UK. The West has poured billions into Africa, but most money seems to end up in corrupt officials pockets.Perhaps the West should stop all African aid and let them control their own destiny - would that suit Mugabe?

Ros, Surrey,

I am Zimbabwean and feel that Russia & China did a splendid job. Why, Why, why Britain and America push for sanctions when South Africa says no to sanctions... who knows better the british or the South Africans about problems in their region?

ndinonziani, harare, zimbabwe

Dave, Manchester you're right, of course they would protect Mugabe's crimes, let's hope that there was a plan B on the part of the just, diplomats who want to save the lives of those not yet taken by Mugabe's war criminals.
Bravo Marc, let's not show support for such a disgusting regime any longer

Andy, Brussels, Belgium

John, Ottawa I take it from your comments you prefer Mugabe to be left alone to carry out his atrocities Rape now heading the crime wave and form of intimidation.? I would prefer to see all totalitarian states kicked out of the UN.

Lloyd, London,

I think everyone really knew that Russia and China would act in this way as they are much the same themselves with their human rights records. Throw Russia out of the G8 and force Mbeki of South Africa to act by withdrawing the 2010 World Cup from South Afica if he doesn't .

Paul, France, France

Russia & China playing politics with the lives of the people of Zimbabwe. Or looking after their own interests in Africa? What a surprise? Maybe time for the west to arm and train the opposition so there can be more equality in the struggle and then see how R & C vote. South Africa next?

Zavros, Limnos, Greece

It may be a victory for Mugabe, but ultimately it is a blow to the people of Zimbabwe, including those outwardly appearing to support Mugabe. One Zimbabwean ambassador in a western country says he has not been paid his wages for several months. He also wants a swift resolution to this problem.

Charan Muzaya, London, UK

Dave, Manchester I agree, the problem is we will all go out and buy Chinese goods, Russian gas and watch and support the Chinese Olympic games. I really believe that any government that is not democratically elected should not be part of the UN. How can dictators be part of a democratic organization

Lloyd, London,

I think what is really shocking is that this tin pot murderous dictator Mugabe has beaten the West with the help of his fellow dictators in China and Russia which renders the UN toothless and even more spineless..

Lloyd, London,

Let the child whose picture is at the top of this article be on the conscience of those who support Mugabe. During Smith's time you could say "I want to be a doctor", "I want to be a lawyer", etc and it was down to your own effort to fulfil your aspirations. Nowadays you will be lucky to reach 20.

Charan Muzaya, London, UK

On the one hand conservatives scream for national sovereignty and less power for institutions like the EU and the UN. When these then correctly remain within their allowed mandate they are criticised! The security council is for international security (eg invasions), not a world police.

Mark, Munich, Germany

Whats the point of a UN if two of the darkest nations on the earth control her?
The west needs to get ready for war with the two for surely the two work hand in hand for global control. Australia needs to be fortified against China. Many christian prophecies tell of an asian invader in our region.

G.Gibson, Sydney, Australia

wow, the western world not always right, but if veto really used by russia and china over zimb, then we should def avoid olmpics and ask russia staight faced where they stand on democracy cause no ones benifiting from tip toein around

rob, birmingham, england

Enough is enough! Western athletes should not attend the next Olympic games. A tough decision for the countries and much harder for the athletes but surely there has to be a moral stand. A gold medal is not worth one human life.

Marc, Paris, France

Obviously the Russians are playing the spoiler due to their objections to the U.S. Missile Shield. Watch for this to embolden the U.S. to circumvent the U.N. in regards to Iran.

Bill, Ottumwa, Iowa

Tibet and Zimbabwe will both cast long shadows over the Olympics. Civilised people will not be able to enjoy totally any sporting event they see on television.

Rosa Gillibrand, Brussels, Belgium

Two totalitarian governments vetoed a resolution calling for sanctions against a totalitarian regime
What a surprise..

Bruce Northwood, Washington, D.C., USA

So, are we suggesting that we act without the permission of the now effectively useless UN? If so, I hope those who were so vocal in their criticism of the US and UK over the Iraq UN vote give pause for thought!

al, weybridge, UQ

Every aggressive country believe they are rightfully exacting justice on their victims, NATO has had no opposition for too long and forgot they are not the ones to define right and wrong. I'm glad Russia and China could come out and stop western countries from playing world police.

John, Ottawa, Canada

This is such bad news. How can we stand by and watch this happen to such a lovely country like Zimbabwe. The UN has failed because China and Russia prefer to defend arms interests and their own shameful regimes instead of helping to create peace in this troubled country. Britain lead the way!

Dave, Manchester, UK

What did we expect? It seems clear that that there is consensus that a government can do what it likes inside its own borders. Better a few dismembered babies than the loss of this principle.

Charles, Charlottesville, USA

The sooner Russia is ejected from the G8 the better. Their corrupt government stands against everything most people in the West believe in. They have little regard for freedom, truth or justice and is no better than Zimbabwe in repressing and silencing its opponents.

Jay Wright, Durham,

There are many that see the G8 as irrelevant. Russia clearly holds this view and will probably see the views of Mr Khalilzad as a reason to leave the G8, this will probably happen. China's position is clear, the situation does not constitute a threat to international peace and security.

Stephen Jones, Penarth, UK

China and Russia in league with Zimbabwe ring true the age old adage: Birds of the same feather flock together. Good show China and Russia!

Andy, Washington, DC, USA