Explanation of vote by Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia following the UNSC vote on a draft resolution extending the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee
Mr. President,
Russia abstained in the vote on the draft resolution submitted by the United States to extend the mandate of the the Panel of Experts (PoE) assisting the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee.
We were not the only ones who had some observation regarding the work done by the PoE during the past reporting cycle. We trust that the PoE, the composition whereof will be renewed in the near future, will return to its high quality standards when preparing materials and will adhere to the criteria of objectivity, reliability and verifiability of the information provided. It is a matter of principle that the PoV be impartial and act in line with its mandate , rather than using the mandate as a battering ram against the interests of the Sudanese people and their Government. In the same vein, we deem unacceptable even any hint of expanding the sanctions regime beyond Darfur. For the two decades since those restrictions were imposed, they have not benefitted the Sudanese people in any way.
Our position on the resolution has remained unchanged since last year. We are pleased to note that the sponsors of the draft have partially met the wishes of a number of delegations and agreed to “refine” the language of the resolution that does not directly pertain to the work of the PoE. At the same time, we believe that our American colleagues did not fully utilize the dialogue opportunities with the Sudanese, and they could have been more receptive to the views of the A3. By rejecting this approach, we are only encouraging the unhealthy intentions of certain Security Council members to retain leverage over the Government of Sudan through the use of UNSC sanctions tools. Finally, as we did last year, we believe that it is inappropriate to renew the mandate of the Panel of Experts and instruct them to draft reports beyond the timeline of the sanctions regime itself, which expires in September 2025.
Thank you.
