Statement by First Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Polyanskiy in the First Committee of the 75th session of the UNGA during the vote on resolutions under cluster 5 "Other Disarmament Measures and International Security"
We are struck by cynicism and hypocrisy of the Western delegations that today nonchalantly blame Russia for undermining the work of the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) on international information security (IIS), and for disrupting consensus on the IIS.
Let me remind that two years ago, it was the US and other Western states who spoke up against creating the OEWG. In 2018, they just as ardently tried to make a point that there was no need for an open process, that it was premature and inefficient, that it undermined the key pillars in this area. What is it that we see today? They, as the saying goes, turned on a dime and now try to show off as main supporters of the OEWG – the one that they used to oppose so vehemently. What is it, if not an extreme manifestation of hypocrisy?
In this regard, let me put some facts straight: had it not been for Russia, the United Nations would not have a negotiation process on IIS at all. It is us, who created the Group of Governmental Experts – with Western countries actively opposing this. We proposed to open this discussion, when it became clear that it was the need of the hour.
Every time Western delegations would find further pretexts to sabotage the continuation of this process. It is them who erode UNGA consensus on the international information security that Russia, backed by the UN majority, has maintained by almost two decades.
Let us make things clear once and for all. As a founder of the effective OEWG, which took much effort to create, Russia like no one else wants this mechanism to conclude successfully. Once it is done, the new OEWG should be able to start its substantive work, which will rest upon the results achieved by the current OEWG.
I underscore that the US side hosted not a single round of open consultations on its draft resolution. More than that – it made no attempt to discuss a possible compromise with us. In our turn, we tried to have a dialogue, offered to discuss what could be done; but none of this was taken onboard. Instead of making agreements, our partners would rather throw accusations here, in the hall, thus putting us in an awkward position. Nevertheless, we keep doors open for a normal conversation. We hope that next year common sense will gain the upper hand with our partners, and we will manage to restore consensus on the IIS at the United Nations.
Mr. President,
With your permission, I will not respond to an absolutely inappropriate and meaningless statement, which our German colleagues made in order to attack Russia. It seems they are so preoccupied with attempts to “sweep under the carpet” the details of A.Navalny provocation, that they can no longer think rationally. Embarrassing attempts of German diplomacy to blame Russia are rather pitiful. Of course, we will have to take note of this obsessive inclination to damage (at their own cost) Russia’s relations with Germany and the European Union. If this is what you want, you are almost there. Keep it up, ladies and gentlemen.
