Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Explanation of vote by Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva after UNSC vote on a draft resolution on renewal of the sanctions regime for the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Mr.President,

Russia abstained during the vote on a draft resolution on renewal of the sanctions regime for the Democratic Republic of the Congo that was proposed by the delegation of France.

We are convinced that UNSC sanctions must duly reflect the state of affairs on the ground and promote political process. They need to be reviewed and updated on a regular basis up until the moment they are fully lifted.

By our estimates, many of UNSC sanctions regimes that are in effect today no longer correspond to de facto situations in affected states, intervene with plans of national governments in the area of state-building and establishing efficient military and law enforcement bodies. Unfortunately, many of those regimes are only kept for the purpose on exerting political pressure.

Thank you.