Explanation of vote by Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva after the UNSC vote on a draft resolution on renewal of the mandate of UNSOM
Mr.President,
We welcome Permanent Representative of Somalia Abukar Osman to this meeting.
First of all, let me express my deep condolences to the Government and people of Somalia in connection with the heinous terrorist attack that took place in Mogadishu on October 29 and caused more than 100 deaths. Russia strongly condemns terrorism in all its manifestations and supports the efforts of the Republic of Somalia to combat this threat.
Our delegation supported the draft resolution on renewal of the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia that was put forward by the delegation of the UK until 31 October 2023.
At the same time, we share the concerns expressed by our Chinese colleagues regarding the imbalance in some of the resolution’s language, i.a. on humanitarian issues, the protection of children in armed conflict and human rights.
We also regret the insufficient reflection in the resolution of the recommendations by an independent team of the UN Secretariat, which carried out the strategic review of UNSOM, whose mandate has lost its balance in recent years to affect the flexibility and efficiency of the work of the mission, its ability to respond to Somalia’s major problems. UNSOM should be more closely involved with the country's priorities, and its work should be subjected to clear assessment.
Respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia must be at the center of UNSOM’s work. We hope that these considerations will guide the special political mission at the new stage of its work.
As this is the last formal meeting of the Council under Gabon's Presidency in October, I would like to congratulate the delegation of this country on the approaching end of the Presidency and thank you for the leadership and the hard work that you have done to keep the Council running during this busy month.
Thank you.
