Statement by Mr. Petr Iliichev, Chargé d'Affaires of the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations, at the High Level Event on Mali
Dear Secretary General,
I understand that everyone here could agree that sustainable long-term settlement in Mali is not possible without thorough implementation of the Algerian Accord.
We welcome establishing of five interim administrations and launching of joint patrols in the North, encourage Malian parties to build on this progress. The National Accord Conference held at the initiative of the government is also of great importance here.
Yet the security situation in Mali remains of great concern.
It is absolutely right to note that with the asymmetric threats and overall situation in Mali MINUSMA often operates in the environment more suitable for peace enforcing rather than peacekeeping. The initiative by the regional states to form a Sahel Force which might contribute in situation when there is no peace to keep is just another evidence of it. All this also leads me to a sad thought that African-led International Support Mission in Mali which preceded MINUSMA was rehatted prematurely.
We appreciate the initiative by the Secretariat to hold the Force Generation Conference and hope that potential pledges could help in bridging the capacity gaps of the Mission. Unfortunately this issue has been pending for unacceptably long time.
What is really worrisome here is that the arrangements for the troops and assets reached quite some time ago have not been implemented for various reasons. The only way forward here is closer interaction between the Secretariat and troop contributing countries, including prior to making recommendations to the Security Council on the strength adjustments and mandate modifications. Only by enhancing it we could avoid situations when the call by the Security Council does not get response from the TCC.
