United Nations: A rare double veto by Russia and China killed a US-sponsored resolution asking Myanmar's military junta to stop persecution of minorities and opposition groups, end human rights abuse and release all political prisoners.

Nine members supported the resolution, co-sponsored by Britain, three including South Africa, opposed and Indonesia, Qatar and Congo abstained.

During the debate, most members agreed that there were human rights violations in Myanmar and it needed to work with the international community to restore democracy but those who opposed and abstained argued that there was no threat to peace and security in the region and hence it was outside the purview of the 15-membr Security Council.

The issue, they argued, belonged to Human Rights Council and the General Assembly and should be discussed there. They also said they were in contact with the Myanmar government and time is needed to set the thing right.

Expressing disappointment at the Council's decision, United States acting Ambassador Alejandro Wolff said the resolution would have sent 'strong and urgently needed' statement to Myanmar about the need for change.

The junta, he said, was waging a war against minorities and looking the other way while the refugee flow was increasing and narcotics and human trafficking was growing.

This was the first time since 1972 that Moscow and Beijing together vetoed a measure. Last time, they had vetoed the resolution calling for observance of ceasefire in the Middle East.