Explanation of vote by First Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Polyanskiy after UNSC vote on a draft resolution on renewal of Yemen's sanctions regime
Mr.President,
The Russian Federation supported the draft Security Council resolution that has been put forward by the United Kingdom on the extension of the sanctions regime against Yemen. The decision of this technical rollover of restrictive measures for one year seems to be the best way to maintain the momentum, which is necessary for finding a peaceful solution to the Yemeni crisis amidst an unprecedented regional escalation.
At the same time, we cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the fact that UNSC sanctions-related decisions on Yemen is coming into conflict with positive political developments around the country, that in the long term should help to put an end to the bloodshed in Yemen and contribute to overall stabilization of relations among key states in the region. In this regard, we welcome all result-oriented efforts to achieve these goals, both by the United Nations, primarily by the office of Special Envoy Hans Grundberg, and by the states of the region.
Mr.President,
Against this backdrop, the actions of the United States look especially cynical, in particular Washington's attempts to use the existing international sanctions against Yemen to promote selfish objectives that are very far from achieving peace in this long-suffering country. Pointing towards this conclusion is the scandalous way the US military handled military-use products that had been intercepted in the Gulf of Oman last December. Washington transferred it to Ukraine for the needs of the Kiev regime. We have already explained many times why such actions of the Americans run counter to the provisions not only of the relevant Security Council resolutions on Yemen, including resolution 2216, but also to the norms of international law. UAF’s failure on the front does not justify such steps. If Washington carries on, this will have the most serious consequences.
Mr.President,
Overall, it seems that the time has finally come for the Security Council to give serious thought to updating the legal framework for a settlement in Yemen. Otherwise, outcomes of protracted efforts may be lost.
Thank you.
