Explanation of vote by Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva after the UNSC vote on draft resolutions on Afghanistan
Mr.President,
Russia voted in favor of two draft resolutions on Afghanistan.
We are satisfied with the timely technical rollover for 12 months of the mandate of UNAMA that is stipulated by UNSC resolution 2626. We presume that its parameters allow the Mission to carry out its activities in full during this crucial period. We note the efforts of UAE and Japan as penholders of the Afghan file in the Council who searched for compromise solutions when taking into account a wide range of positions.
We note the dedicated work of UN personnel in Afghanistan, and personally the head of UNAMA, Ms.Roza Otunbayeva, who fulfil their duties in these complicated conditions. We are convinced that unanimous support of the Security Council for the efforts of UNAMA will send a message to the people of Afghanistan about shared global commitment to establishing the much-awaited peace and stability in this long-suffering country.
This approach appears relevant now as never before. Thereby it remains imperative to uphold pragmatic interaction between UNAMA and de facto authorities for discussion of all key problems in accordance with the mandate of the Mission. It is important to prevent isolation of Afghanistan. Patient and constructive dialogue will be beneficial to all. We assume that the Mission will continue to deliver on all its tasks to the full extent, including those related to coordination of international humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, providing aid to the most vulnerable groups of population – women, children, elderly, persons with disabilities. Any attempts to politicize humanitarian aspects on various pretexts are immoral and unacceptable.
Mr.President,
We are convinced that stabilization in Afghanistan and resolution of its outstanding challenging tasks will be impossible without a comprehensive and consolidated approach of the global community to the Afghan settlement. We repeatedly underscored that adoption of decisions based on a scrupulous analysis and proper account for the current realia could provide an important prerequisite for effectiveness of our joint actions. Collective efforts at this track will promote stability in the region and beyond. Therefore we trust that an independent assessment of the situation in Afghanistan will be provided i.a. upon consulting with the de facto authorities of the country. We expect the report to be well-balanced and reflective of real challenges, including the freezing of the Afghan assets, assistance for development, and recovery of economy of the country, as well as assessment of the negative impact of unilateral sanctions.
Thank you.
