Statement by Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Dmitry Polyanskiy at UNSC Briefing on WMD Non-Proliferation (Implementation of Resolution 1540)
Mr. President,
We thank you for your briefing in your capacity as Chairman of the UNSC Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540. We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your being appointed to chair it. We support the efforts of our Panamanian colleagues to promptly resolve the various issues that the Committee has on its agenda.
Over the more than two decades since its adoption in 2004, UNSC resolution 1540 has proved on numerous occasions how relevant it is as a universal international document aimed at ensuring depoliticized cooperation among States and helping them prevent weapons of mass destruction (WMD), their means of delivery and related materials from falling into the hands of non-state actors. The Russian Federation has always been firmly committed to the goals and objectives of the resolution; we were among its initiators, and we directly participated in drafting its basic provisions.
We are convinced that this document remains relevant and retains its unifying potential. We believe that ensuring the positive perception of resolution 1540 by all Member States is something that should remain an unconditional priority for Committee 1540. It is therefore important to preserve the spirit of cooperation inherent in Resolution 1540 and to ensure that this cooperation is comprehensive and inclusive in nature. Delays in the Committee's work only benefit those who seek to undermine international non-proliferation efforts. In this regard, we believe that impediments to the Committee's work must by any means be avoided in the future.
Furthermore, the provisions of resolution 1540, which place serious obligations on national authorities, should not be used as a pretext for interference in the internal affairs of States. The Committee itself should act strictly within its mandate, as it is set out in other relevant Security Council resolutions. What is unacceptable here is entrusting the Committee with functions that are not within its remit, including oversight and control functions. The key tasks of the Committee are the following – to monitor the implementation of resolution 1540 and to coordinate global efforts in providing technical assistance to States, upon their request. In this context, my country has consistently advocated a tactful approach for the Committee to take when it comes to interacting with national governments, without exerting artificial pressure on them.
What is also essential here is focusing the attention of this subsidiary body on its direct tasks having to do with WMD non-proliferation. It is unacceptable to artificially incorporate into its work other issues that go beyond the scope of Resolution 1540, such as counter-terrorism, digital development and information security, as well as sanctions-related issues. It is also important to remember that the Group of Experts operating under the Committee is strictly accountable to that body and can act only on its instructions. We are also interested in the speedy filling of vacant positions in the Group of Experts, which will only contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of the Committee's work.
Mr. President,
In conclusion, I would like to assure you that the Russian Federation is always open to constructive interaction within the Committee in order to fulfill the vital tasks assigned to it. As part of this process, it is essential to take into consideration the views and interests of both the members of this subsidiary body and all other States, and we need to continue striving for consensus on any contentious issues in this regard.
Thank you.
