Statement by First Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Polyanskiy at UNSC briefing on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Point of order:
Mr.President,
As we said yesterday, on March 25, the delegation of France set a procedural precedent regarding a Russia-requested UNSC meeting on the 25th anniversary of NATO aggression against Yugoslavia by insisting that the Security Council should take all decisions regarding the holding of meetings only in the Chamber and that no prior arrangements are relevant. At France's initiative, a procedural vote was held on the agenda item despite the fact that the Japanese Presidency had previously scheduled the meeting and it was on the Council's provisional program of work. The Presidency, however, was not able to confirm its decision when we all assembled in the Security Council Chamber.
Thus, the actions of France, as well as the United States and Great Britain who spoke out in support resulted in turning down a request of a Security Council member to convene a meeting, which constitutes a flagrant violation of the right of each UNSC member call such meetings as they deem necessary. We requested a meeting to convene under the most important item for the Security Council, "threats to international peace and security". We intend to address the procedural implications of this most serious and extremely negative precedent under AOB at the closed consultations of the Security Council this afternoon.
Mr.President,
In order to avoid "double standards" and divergence of opinions with our Western colleagues (that are obviously political rather than procedural), we request the Presidency to put to a vote its decision to hold this meeting - since, as we saw on 25 March, the Presidency does not want to take any responsibility for convening the Security Council. We will have to do so until the Council agrees on a normal modus operandi.
Esteemed colleagues,
We have again formally requested an open briefing on the 25th anniversary of NATO's aggression against Yugoslavia. The Japanese Presidency has scheduled it for the afternoon of 28 March. We hope this time President of the Council will not argue that their duties are similar to that of a secretary and are limited to technically "booking" a time in the schedule. It is your political decision, Mr. President, to respond positively to our request. If someone wants to challenge it, they should challenge the President's decision without hiding behind circumstantial and irrelevant procedural tricks.
In conclusion, I would like to remind that 25 years ago, on March 26, 1999, there was a memorable UN Security Council meeting on the situation in Yugoslavia, at which Russia proposed a draft resolution. The document, in particular, prescribed such responsibilities of the republic as withdrawal of federal defense and police forces from Kosovo and Metohija. However, 12 members of the Council rejected the document, which could have prevented a huge and deadly international crisis. We would like to hope that over the past 25 years the members of the Council have formed a political conscience and will not repeat that mistake. Of course, there is no hope for our Western colleagues. We are well aware that they have instructions to prevent discussion in the UN Security Council on this extremely uncomfortable topic for Western capitals – the NATO aggression against a sovereign state. But if they do it again, we will have many other reasons to remind the UNSC about the sad milestones of March-June 1999, as well as other aggressions of the Anglo-Saxon coalitions, and will do this on a daily basis.
Thank you.
Main statement:
Mme.President,
We thank SRSG Keita for the briefing. We followed closely the remarks by Ms. Ms. Jacquie- Anna. We welcome representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda to this meeting.
We regret to note the deterioration of the security situation in eastern DRC. We are significantly concerned about the escalation of the conflict involving the M23 militia.
The offensive actions of M23 must cease. We condemn the shelling of settlements and IDP camps, the victims of which are civilians. We call for the unblocking of the land supply routes to Goma. We are seriously concerned about the use of advanced weapons systems in the area of hostilities. We condemn their use against MONUSC and insist on the need to return to the full implementation of the agreements of the Luanda process.
The continuation of armed conflict in the eastern provinces of the DRC is a key reason for the degradation of the humanitarian situation and the increasing suffering of the civilian population. What is happening in eastern DRC also has a direct impact on the situation in the entire Great Lakes region and has a projection on inter-state relations and regional stability. There is no doubt that a prompt resolution of the crisis, especially in view of the beginning of MONUSCO's withdrawal, falls in the interests of the Great Lakes region countries in the first place.
At the same time, we reiterate that only political solutions will lead to a comprehensive cessation of hostilities and the creation of real conditions for sustainable stabilization. It is crucial to intensify regional mediation to overcome the tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali. There is also a need to ensure that all illegal paramilitary formations lay down their arms and join the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration program without preconditions. All engagement of state bodies with the militias must stop.
We support the activities of leaders and staff of MONUSCO, whose presence in the conflict zone is an important stabilizing factor. We unequivocally condemn attacks or violent acts against Blue Helmets. We wish a speedy recovery to the eight peacekeepers who were injured on 16 March in the Sake area. When withdrawing MONUSCO, it is important to take into account the evolution of the situation on the ground and act in a phased and responsible manner. A security vacuum must be prevented. In doing so, it is important to adhere to the withdrawal timetable set out in resolution 2717, which the Security Council adopted this past December.
We have taken note of the recent decision of the African Union to grant its auspices to the forces of the Southern African Development Community. We note the support provided by SADC to Kinshasa in overcoming the crisis in line with the principle "African solutions to the African problems". It is important to ensure the necessary level of coordination with MONUSCO and to identify effective modalities for joint efforts. We are ready to discuss parameters for providing assistance to regional forces via MONUSCO after the UN Secretariat issues a relevant report.
As a permanent member of the Security Council, Russia will continue to assist in resolving the crisis in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Thank you.
