Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Statement by Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia after the UN Security Council vote on Afghanistan

At the outset, let me join my colleagues’ words and express deep condolences to our friends – the people and government of Afghanistan regarding the recent tragedy – an atrocious terrorist attack that happened on 17 September.

The Russian Federation voted in support of the UNSC draft resolution that should extend the mandate of UNAMA for another 12-month period.

We believe the UN Mission plays a central role in coordinating the humanitarian assistance to the country. We commend the dedicated work of UN personnel in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

We are convinced that consensus adoption of the document will give a signal to the people of Afghanistan about the shared commitment of the global community to establishing long-awaited peace in this country that lived through much suffering.

This commitment is vitally important at this very moment, when Afghanistan goes through fundamental changes. It is crucial now to make the peace process in Afghanistan as inclusive as possible. The main task is to search for a formula of sustainable national reconciliation with the involvement of all public and political forces of the country. At the same time it remains imperative to preserve the central role of Afghanis in solving national problems.

Russia is working hard to bring all the political forces and key external stakeholders to a unifying and consolidating basis. We once again reiterate our commitment to act in close interaction with the government of Afghanistan, the political forces of the country, regional and international partners. We expect that the U.S and Taliban will resume dialogue and soon come to an agreement; and we look forward to the beginning of inter-Afghan negotiations.