Explanation of vote by Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Anna Evstigneeva following the UNSC vote on a draft resolution Renewing UNAMA’s Mandate
Madam President,
Today, the Russian Federation voted in favor of the Security Council resolution extending the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for one year. We welcome the efforts of the Chinese penholders of the Afghan file to reach compromise solutions. As a result, we have adopted a collective document that emphasizes support for the Afghan people in building a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan, free from terrorism and narcotics.
The key point here is that the current configuration of UNAMA’s activities remains unchanged, allowing the Mission to continue its work in Afghanistan in full. We find it encouraging that the text includes elements having to do with the country’s economic development, which should serve as the foundation for the Afghan State’s self-sufficiency.
Seeking to reach consensus, we agreed to the persistent proposals by the US delegation to task the UN Secretary-General with preparing a strategic review of UNAMA’s activities. We believe that such a review must be rooted in a sober and objective analysis of the situation and conducted in cooperation with the authorities, with due regard for the needs of the Afghan people themselves, primarily in the areas of capacity-building as well as in humanitarian and socio-economic assistance and development. Yet, it is unacceptable to use this review as a tool to transform UNAMA into a “watchdog” serving the interests of Western States that recklessly withdrew from the country in 2021. This would only jeopardize the UN presence as a whole.
We are disappointed that, due to the unconstructive stance of the US delegation, the document fails to reflect an important element – that is, pragmatic cooperation on Afghanistan and broader diplomatic efforts aimed at a comprehensive solution to the Afghan problem. It is lamentable that the very country that signed a deal with the Taliban without participation of the then-government continues to dictate parameters for such cooperation, determining both its format and the parties involved.
Madam President,
Today’s Security Council resolution is not only an expression of support for UNAMA, but also a clear message to the people of Afghanistan that proves the commitment of the international community to establishing peace and stability in that long-suffering country.
It has always been and remains imperative to maintain consistent engagement between the Mission and the Afghan authorities to discuss all issues in strict accordance with its mandated tasks. Of particular importance is UNAMA’s ability to coordinate international humanitarian assistance to the country, prioritizing support for the most vulnerable segments of the population. This is especially critical given the unresolved issue of frozen assets and unprecedented unilateral sanctions.
We are convinced that building lasting peace in the country is impossible without a viable approach focused on Afghanistan’s subsequent international reintegration. This approach needs to be centered on an objective assessment and patient dialogue with the Afghan authorities. There is no alternative to this. Not only does the successful fulfillment of UNAMA’s mandated tasks hinge on this, but so does its future as a whole.
Thank you.
