Explanation of vote by Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva before the UNSC vote on a draft resolution on a ceasefire for Sudan
Mr.President,
The draft resolution that has been put forward by the United Kingdom and is under consideration of the Security Council today has the seemingly noble aim – let the Council speak in favor of a ceasefire in Sudan, increasing humanitarian access and supporting UN mediation efforts. However, most of these objectives are already being implemented, among other things thanks to the constructive attitude of the Sudanese authorities.
It is surprising that in the case of Sudan our Western colleagues, citing the need for an urgent solution to the humanitarian situation, proposed to take urgent action and adopt a UNSC resolution with a clear call for a cessation of hostilities. At the same time, there were no in-person consultations, constructive proposals were ignored and the process was rushed. We have no illusions about the true intentions of Western countries. However, their "double standards" look particularly egregious in view of the fact that these same countries are delaying the adoption of a ceasefire resolution on Gaza, where a real massacre continues and more than 30,000 people have been killed in five months. Time and again, the United States would use its veto, drag out time, demand that we wait for some results of "direct diplomacy on the ground". Nothing of the sort is offered on Sudan, although there is a chance to establish mediation efforts right now. Do you think this duplicity is not obvious to everyone?
From the outset, Russia suggested that we should settle for a more appropriate "product" for the Sudanese situation - a press statement or a PRST. Unfortunately, our appeals were not heeded and without any clear explanation to follow. Surely, the time factor has nothing to do with it. References to the need to urgently rectify the situation in connection with Sudan's closure of aid deliveries across the border with Chad are no longer relevant. On 5 March, the Sudanese authorities demonstrated a constructive attitude and allowed humanitarian supplies to be sent through border crossings with Chad, South Sudan and Egypt, as well as by air to a number of airports.
We call on our colleagues to not use the Security Council for promoting their geopolitical ambitions and to approach the discussion of the situation in the Republic of Sudan from the prospective of the interests of the Sudanese people.
Thank you.
