The U.N. Security Council failed Friday to adopt a U.S.-drafted resolution to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan after Japan and seven other nations abstained despite warnings that the world's newest country is on the verge of possible genocide.
"Japan believes that it would be counterproductive to introduce additional sanction measures at a time when the transitional government is making some positive moves," Japanese Ambassador Koro Bessho told council members, noting that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's special envoy is visiting Juba.
"The council must continue to engage with the transitional government. Japan views that there is still room for diplomatic efforts in order to urge the transitional government to make further steps ahead.