South Africa is defending its recent vote to block a U.N. Security Council resolution concerning human rights violations in Burma.
The country's vote last month, alongside China and Russia, blocked the U.S.-drafted resolution urging Burma's military government to release all political prisoners and address other human rights issues.
South Africa's defense minister Mosiuoa Lekota told reporters today in Cape Town that South Africa voted against the draft because it believes the matter should involve more countries.
South Africa has said the matter is better suited to the U.N. Human Rights Council.
The minister said South Africa -- without any reservation -- condemns the abuse of human rights and the arrests of pro-democracy activists in Burma.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu has said he was "deeply disappointed" by South Africa's vote.
