Explanation of Vote by Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva after the UNSC Vote on a Draft Resolution to extend the Inspection Regime on the High Seas off the Coast of Libya
Mr. President,
The Russian Federation abstained in the vote on the draft Security Council resolution tabled by France and Greece to extend the inspection regime on the high seas off the coast of Libya.
When this mechanism was initially established by Security Council Resolution 2292, it was supposed to serve as an effective tool in combating illegal arms supplies to Libya and, ultimately, to facilitate the political settlement process in that country. However, years after the regime was launched, it has been clear to everyone that the stated goals have not been attained. Libya's territory is still flooded with all types of weapons, which are actively being used by the numerous armed groups that are rampant on the ground.
Mr. President,
This is largely due to the fact that the practical implementation of the provisions of the inspection regime has, de facto, come under the charge of the European Union and its naval operation Irini. At the same time, even though Brussels has been actively bragging about its “successes,” there has been barely any significant reduction in illegal arms supplies to Libya.
There are also questions regarding the highly dubious working methods used by Irini: the geographical scope of its patrols, the selectivity in conducting inspections of ships at sea, the way they determine the military nature of cargo, as well as attempts to dispose of seized property beyond the legal framework established by the Security Council, including its transfer to third countries or for commercial sale. Furthermore, we cannot but mention the insufficient transparency in how the Irini leadership engage with UNSC subsidiary bodies, including the Panel of Experts of the Security Council Sanctions Committee established pursuant resolution 1970.
All this not only undermines the international community’s trust in the European Union, but also casts a shadow over the Council's authority while compromising the mechanisms it has created to maintain peace and stability. Unilateral approaches that run counter to collective agreements cannot lay the groundwork for lasting solutions that could stabilize the situation in Libya or anywhere else.
Mr. President,
Compliance with the Security Council sanctions regime against Libya must be truly collective, transparent, and accountable. In this regard, we believe it is necessary to continue discussions on possible ways to genuinely enhance the effectiveness of the Libyan sanctions toolkit.
Until then, we will continue to closely monitor activities of the Irini Operation so as to ensure that its actions comply with the provisions of Security Council Resolution 2292 and its subsequent decisions, as well as with international law, including the provisions of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Thank you.
