Some countries also abstained from the vote at the time.

The decision, by a vote of 22 to 1, with 12 countries abstaining, was expected.

For example, only 26 countries abstained on the Iraq vote last year compared with 41 today.

The measure passed 10 to 0, with five countries abstaining.

The censure passed easily, 28 to 4, but 21 countries abstained.

He said that six other countries, including Germany, abstained.

But 45 countries abstained, including all other Nato members.

The Soviet Union and its allies refused to take part in the vote, while 9 countries abstained.

But 42 countries abstained and 33 others stayed away, underscoring Washington's problems in trying to forge a consensus.

Sweden therefore could not send a song to Eurovision 1976, the third and most recent time the country abstained from participating.