Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Remarks to the Press by Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia after the Security Council meeting on Syria

Q.: Ambassador, what about the implementation of this agreement with Turkey?

A.: The working group has been created. Yesterday it was convened for the first time in Ankara. We talked with Turks about how to effectively implement the agreement on the ground, given the circumstances in which we find ourselves. 

Q.: Can I ask you about your draft resolution on OPCW? What are you trying to achieve there?

A.: We are trying to get the OPCW back on track because it slided off track. It used to be a technical body where consensus prevailed. Now we see that it is completely politicized, including its agenda, by various parties. We want the OPCW to get back to where it had been before it was all set up. 

Q.: How quickly would you like that to come true?

A.: Let’s see, we are still in consultations. We will put it on the table at the best time when it is ready.

Q.: How does this tension between Iran and the U.S. impact the situation in Syria? 

A.: I was referring to it today in the statement when our American colleagues accused us of destabilizing the region. I said that we have different opinions about who continues to destabilize the region. Of course this rhetoric, the tensions, the escalation between the U.S. and Iran which we witness at present, are very dangerous. If something worse happened, it would definitely destabilize the region in an unprecedented way.

Q.: What are you worried about? Are you worried about miscalculations?

A.: I keep my fingers crossed. Anything can happen - miscalculation, plans that are behind the scenes. Many people are talking about it openly. One little mistake - and everything starts rolling down the drain.

Q.: Ambassador Pierce mentioned that you are getting together to have a meeting with OCHA. Is it a proposal that you follow up on?

A.: We never shy away from any meetings with anybody, talks on any subject. If there is some follow-up, of course, we will participate.