Statement by Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia at UNSC briefing on Afghanistan
Mr.President,
We thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva, for her assessments of the situation in the country. Russia supports the activities of UNAMA under your lead in the framework of the Mission’s mandated tasks. We note the interest of Kabul in maintaining and developing contacts with you. We welcome the standing commitment of the United Nations to keeping its presence in and rendering the necessary assistance to Afghanistan.
We followed closely the briefing by Ms.Lisa Doughten and the remarks by a civil society representative. It is also gratifying that the regionals are given the floor in this discussion.
We took note of the Secretary-General’s report on the situation in Afghanistan and would like to make the following remarks.
The Security Council has been discussing the situation in the country for quite a few years now. During this time, Afghanistan experienced Taliban rule in the 1990s, followed by a 20-year war that ultimately led to the collapse of the country and the shameful flight of American and NATO troops. Now, since August 15, 2021, the country has been under the rule of the Taliban Movement. The high-sounding promises of the interventionists to build a long-awaited peace in fact remained just empty words. The people of the long-suffering country are still forced to cope alone with the full scale of problems and challenges that come against the backdrop of persistent unilateral sanctions and an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
Therefore, it is encouraging that the de facto authorities themselves, contrary to the predictions of Western colleagues about the imminent political and economic collapse of the country (that has lived on international dependence for years), have managed to wisely assess the situation and bet on strengthening regional cooperation and recovering the socio-economic potential. They look for their own path of independent development for Afghanistan without relying on Western assistance.
We share the Secretary-General's assessment of the difficult internal political situation in Afghanistan. We continue to be particularly concerned about the security risks caused by the continuing terrorist activity of ISIL-Khorasan. Despite the efforts of the de facto authorities, the terrorists strengthen their influence in the country and deliberately stir up the situation by committing more and more terrorist attacks. Their cause is clear. They want to pose as an alternative power and undermine stability in Afghanistan and the region. Their high-profile terrorist attacks victimize members of religious and ethnic minorities, including women and children. The militants themselves admit to receiving external funding and having FTFs in their ranks. Occasionally, they change their tactics and recruitment patterns in an effort to attract new supporters. Given the amount of weapons left in the country by the Western military, the threat of them falling into the hands of the militants and spreading throughout the region and beyond becomes quite real.
Another issue that is closely linked to terrorism is the drug problem. The efforts made by Taliban in this regard are not enough, and comprehensive international and regional assistance is required, including through UNODC. Support for Afghan farmers remains key. The production of synthetic drugs is also a concern.
We are paying close attention to the socio-economic situation in the country. We note the efforts of the United Nations and regional organizations to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. We emphasize the dedicated work of humanitarian agencies and their staff, who are ready to remain on the ground and help Afghans under any circumstances. Alas, we see that these steps are insufficient. UN efforts to expand aid beyond basic needs are still blocked by Western donors who categorically reject the possibility of contributing to the development of the country, the restoration of schools and hospitals, and the construction of roads connecting provinces and cities with rural areas. My country is also systematically providing targeted assistance to those in need in Afghanistan. Thus, on June 20, aircraft of Russia’s EMERCOM delivered more than 20 tonnes of food and basic necessities to Kabul. This is already the fifth Russian airplane carrying humanitarian supplies for the Afghans.
We also continue to monitor the situation with regard to the rights of all Afghans, including women and girls, and the formation of a truly inclusive government with the participation of all ethno-political groups in the country. We expect to see positive dynamics at both tracks.
Mr.President,
We have consistently proceeded from the assumption that there is no alternative to a realistic comprehensive approach to Afghanistan. Participants of the Moscow Format also share this stance. It is based on objective analysis and a balanced assessment of the situation and prospects for a settlement. Constructive interaction of the international community on the Afghan issue remains imperative. First and foremost, it must take into account the needs of the Afghans themselves, and provide for a patient dialogue with the de facto authorities on a wide range of urgent issues, free from blackmail or pressure. That is the key to stability in the country and, consequently, in the whole region. We see that the Talibs themselves are also interested in such broad and pragmatic interaction. It is important to soberly assess the realities on the ground and stop trying to make Afghanistan "dance to someone’s tune", including under the auspices of the United Nations. The country's history has repeatedly demonstrated that such actions are futile and counterproductive.
In that connection, we note the efforts towards convening the next meeting of the Special Representatives on Afghanistan, scheduled for 30 June to 1 July. We are convinced that any effective discussion of the situation in Afghanistan is impossible without the direct participation of the de facto authorities.
Mr.President,
Russia fully supports the right and aspiration of the Afghan people to live in peace and stability, which is also the key prerequisite for establishing order in the entire region. However, building that long-term and sustainable peace is impossible without interaction with the de facto authorities on a wide range of issues. There is simply no other way. A speedy resolution of the current impasse and the subsequent international reintegration of Afghanistan depend on it.
Thank you.
