Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Comment by the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

On July 24-25, the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Damascus (Syrian Arab Republic) repeatedly came under mortar fire from the district of Jobar, where terrorist groups continue to maintain a significant presence. Recently, such attacks have become more frequent.

The Russian Permanent Mission to the UN circulated among UNSC members a brief draft of Press statement condemning this attack based on standard language on counterterrorism and immunity of diplomatic missions.

We regret to say that some members of the Security Council have again refused to consider the Russian draft under a far-fetched pretext of the lack of evidence on the terrorist nature of the attacks. It was proposed to delete all important provisions of the draft. In these circumstances, the Russian delegation found it pointless to continue work on this document.

Unfortunately, despite the assurances by these partners that counterterrorism is their priority, they try over and over again to safeguard those who, as they probably think, can be of service in the implementation of the destructive geopolitical plans in Syria. It is long overdue for them to prove in deed not in word their commitment to a political settlement of the Syrian conflict and to strive towards consolidating efforts in countering terrorists. It would be fundamental, finally, to immediately stop terrorist activities in Jobar and throughout SAR.