BBC News with David Austin

There's been a harsh exchange of words at the United Nations after Russia and China vetoed a resolution critical of Syria. The Americans said the two countries had sold out the Syrian people. The British said they'dturned their backs onthe Arab world.The Russians in turn accused Western nations of pursuing regime changethrough the resolution they'd sponsored. Here's Barbara Plett in New York.

The vote was delayed by an hour or two as Russia tried to win support for amendments to the draft. The Russians were still unhappy with the Arab plan for a political transition which the resolution endorses. They said it imposes a solution on Syria. They also wanted language condemning the armed opposition as well as the Syrian army. This in particular was a step too far for Western diplomats on a day when Bashar al-Assad's forces are accused of killing scores of people.