United Nations: Members of the U.N. Security Council on Monday voted to override China`s objections and formally add the situation in North Korea, including allegations of grave human rights abuses, to the council`s agenda.
There were 11 votes in favor, two against and two abstentions. Veto powers Russia and China voted against the inclusion of North Korea on the council`s agenda, but as there are no vetoes in procedural votes of the council, the Chinese attempt to defeat the measure failed.
It has been nearly a decade since the council held a similar procedural vote. Previously the council`s discussion of North Korea was limited to its nuclear weapons program, but now all aspects of the situation in the country can be scrutinized by the 15-nation body.