Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Chumakov at the 61st session of the Committee for Programme and Coordination on “Organization of work”
Mr. Vice-Chairman,
My delegation would like to congratulate you on your election. The Russian Federation is pleased to participate again as a member of the Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC). However, we regret to inform you that two members of the Russian delegation did not make it to New York to participate in the CPC meetings.
The Government of the Russian Federations has appointed Mr. Andrei Lysikov, Director of the Currency and Finance Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as the Head of the Russian delegation to the 61st CPC session for the first two weeks (1-12 June 2021). Mr. Petr Ilichev, Director of the Department of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is supposed to take over the function of the Head of the Russian Delegation for the rest of the 61st CPC session (13-25 June 2021). They have still not been issues entry visas by the host country in order to arrive to New York, despite the fact that the session has already started and all required documents have been submitted by them in advance.
My delegation expresses its serious concern over non-issuance of entry visas by the host country to Mr.Andrei Lysikov and Mr. Petr Ilichev, thus preventing their participation in the work of the 61st CPC session. This improper situation has been manufactured by the host country and in no way can be linked to the current state of bilateral relations between the Russian Federation and the United States of America. These actions taken by the host country constitute severe violation by the United States of America of its obligations under the Agreement between United Nations and the United States of America regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations.
Mr. Vice-Chairman,
As you have just heard, my delegation has already faced formidable challenges in terms of organization of work. We hope that under your guidance notwithstanding the challenges posed by virtual deliberations the work of the 61st CPC session will be organized in such a way that the distinguished members of the Committee would have a chance to discuss substantively every single agenda item. My delegation fully supports the role of the Committee as the main subsidiary organ of the GA and ECOSOC for planning, programming and coordination. We have consistently opposed any attempts to review or question its mandate.
The Russian Federation looks forward to engaging actively and constructively in this CPC session with the aim to reach agreement on conclusions and recommendations on all programmes.
