The Burmese opposition has criticized China and Russia for blocking a U.S.-drafted UN Security Council resolution on Burma, calling the move unethical.
The main opposition National League for Democracy on Monday called on the two veto-wielding countries to reconsider their positions for the sake of the Burmese people.
But the military government of Burma praised Friday's rare double veto of the resolution criticizing that country.
The draft measure urged Burma's military government to release all political prisoners, speed up progress toward democracy, and stop attacks against ethnic minorities.
In addition to China and Russia, South Africa voted against it. Nine countries voted in favor and three abstained, but the resolution failed because of the vetoes by Beijing and Moscow, which are permanent members of the Council.
China and Russia argued the Security Council is not the proper place to discuss Burma because it does not pose a threat to international peace and security. They said problems in Burma are being addressed by other UN bodies.
