Israel's UN ambassador Dan Gillerman speaks at Security Council stakeout after the veto of the resolution 05 October 2004 at the United nations in New York. The United States vetoed an Arab-backed draft resolution at the UN Security Council, which would have called on Israel to end its deadly military operation in the Gaza Strip. (Photo: Xinhua/AFP)

    UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 5 (Xinhuanet) -- The United States killed with its veto power on Tuesday another Arab draft UN Security Council resolution.

    Germany, Britain and Romania abstained from the vote on the draft proposed by Algeria, Tunisia and Pakistan.

    Despite a last-minute effort by the Russian Federation to save the draft, the US blocked the draft which it termed as "one-sided." Since 1984, the US, the closest ally of Israel, had vetoed 23 Arab drafts condemning Israel.

    "Because of these material omissions, because of the lack of balance, the resolution lacks credibility and deserve a 'no' vote," US Ambassador John Danforth said in a statement before the vote.

    He listed a whole collection of "tough" words in the draft, such as "occupying power," "indiscriminate" use of force, and noted that the US had no problems with those words as long as theyare accurate.

    The draft resolution condemned the "broad military incursion and attacks" by Israeli forces in the area of Northern Gaza Strip.

    It reiterated calls upon Israel to abide "scrupulously" by its legal obligations and responsibilities under the Fourth Geneva Convention to protect civilians in times of conflicts.

    The draft demanded immediate cessation of all military operations in the troubled area, and called on Israel to ensure the "unfettered" access and safety of UN personnel. Enditem