Background Information and Context
The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, majority-owned by Russia’s Gazprom, have been in the news recently due to multiple explosions. The pipelines bypass Ukraine’s existing routes for gas transit, which has affected the country’s income from transit fees. Investigations into the cause of these explosions are being carried out by the US, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany.
On Tuesday, Russia made a formal request to the United Nations Security Council for an investigation into the explosions. However, Security Council members abstained or refused to support this request.
The Russian Draft Resolution
Russia drafted a UN resolution that aimed to establish an independent international investigation into the Nord Stream pipeline blasts. China was the only country that supported the draft resolution submitted by Russia. Two other countries abstained from voting, while twelve others also abstained including the US.
The US deputy ambassador stated that investigations by Sweden, Denmark, and Germany “are proceeding in a comprehensive, transparent and impartial manner” and there is no need for a UN probe.
China proposed an alternative to an international investigation where Russia can propose a draft resolution to the UN General Assembly where only a majority of members is needed to vote on and adopt a resolution.
An associate professor at Shanghai International Studies University believes that it’s possible that the UN General Assembly could adopt a resolution on the Nord Stream blasts proposed by Russia.
Reaction from China
China expressed its regret over the UNSC rejection and expects early disclosure of truth over Nord Stream blasts. China believes that an impartial international investigation can coordinate among different countries’ investigations.
China criticized the US for its double standard in covering up incidents and called for early progress in relevant investigation, early disclosure of truth, and bringing those guilty to justice.
The Iranian Teacher Protests
Iranian teachers held protests in multiple cities, demanding better financial conditions. The teachers’ union warned the government to meet their demands or face mass demonstrations. Some teachers had yet to receive their salaries for the previous month. Iranian teachers have been protesting for better pay and working conditions for years.
Iranian authorities have repeatedly summoned, detained, and jailed protesters and activists but failed to stop rallies. However, the teachers’ syndicate stated that various tactics, such as imprisonment and court sentences, have failed to deter teachers from seeking fundamental changes.
Labor law in Iran doesn’t recognize the right of workers to form independent unions. The death of Mahsa Amini while in police custody for allegedly wearing a headscarf improperly ignited widespread protests across Iran.
More than 500 people have been killed during the unrest, including 71 minors, and thousands have been arrested with harsh sentences handed down to protesters.
Conclusion
The UNSC’s rejection of Russia’s draft resolution for an independent international investigation into the Nord Stream pipeline blasts is a significant development in this ongoing saga. China’s proposal of an alternative resolution provides some hope that an impartial investigation can occur.
The protests by Iranian teachers highlight larger issues facing workers in Iran who lack collective bargaining rights. While authorities have tried to suppress protests, they continue to occur as individuals demand better living standards and freedoms.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
