<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (February 2010) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (February 2010) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> The United Nations Security Council "veto power" refers to the power of the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council to veto any "substantive" resolution . A permanent member's abstention or absence does not prevent a draft resolution from being adopted . However, the veto power does not apply to "procedural" votes, as determined by the permanent members themselves . A permanent member can also block the selection of a Secretary - General, although a formal veto is unnecessary since the vote is taken behind closed doors . </P> <P> The unconditional veto possessed by the five governments has been seen by critics as the most undemocratic character of the UN . Critics also claim that veto power is the main cause for international inaction on war crimes and crimes against humanity . However, the United States refused to join the United Nations in 1945 unless it was given a veto . The absence of the United States from the League of Nations contributed to its ineffectiveness . Supporters of the veto power regard it as a promoter of international stability, a check against military interventions, and a critical safeguard against U.S. domination . </P>

Who holds veto power in the united nations security council