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Zimbabwe sanctions vetoed at UN
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A draft resolution to impose sanctions on Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and a number of his key allies has been vetoed at the UN Security Council.

China and Russia both rejected the proposed measures, including a freeze on their financial assets and travel.

There has been growing international criticism of Zimbabwe since the re-election of Mr Mugabe in a run-off boycotted by the opposition.

Several council members had previously expressed reservations about sanctions.

The South African ambassador to the UN had earlier argued against sanctions.

A BBC correspondent at the UN says the failure of the resolution will be a major blow for the United States and Britain.

The UK ambassador said after the vote that the UN had failed in its duty.

The resolution would have imposed an arms embargo on Zimbabwe and financial and travel restrictions on President Mugabe and 13 of his top officials.

It also called for a UN special envoy for Zimbabwe to be appointed.