WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Russia’s main objection was that the wording of the resolution had been overtaken by events and that it sends a "wrong signal," to the parties involved.
"The text of the resolution expanding the mandate of the mission for next year, in our view, has substantive shortcomings, and that is why we were not able to vote in favor," Safronkov told the 15-nation council following the vote.
The Security Council was demanding restoration of its peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara after Morocco expelled 83 staffers last month.
The expulsion was triggered by a visit to the region by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who infuriated Morocco by referring to Moroccan rule of the former Spanish colony as an "occupation."
Morocco annexed Western Sahara in 1975.
On March 15-16, the King of Morocco paid an official visit to Russia, during which he discussed bilateral cooperation and international issues at meetings with the Russian leadership.
