Explanation of vote by First Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Polyanskiy after UNSC vote on renewal of UNSMIL mandate
Mr.President,
The Russian Federation supported the “technical rollover” of the mandate of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) until 30 September. The draft UNSC resolution was put forward by the delegation of the UK.
We would like to reiterate our unwavering support for the UN efforts, i.a. the efforts of UNSMIL, that promote the Libyan settlement. Russia shares the international consensus, according to which the United Nations is to play the central role in this process.
We will continue searching for mutually acceptable solutions to the outstanding issues of UNSMIL’s functioning. The resolution that we adopted envisages an opportunity for all sides to find some common ground regarding the work of UNSMIL during the oncoming rather challenging stage of the Libyan political process.
Our main task at this point is to help Libyans meet the outlined schedule for parliamentary and presidential elections that are to convene on 24 December this year. All our efforts should be aimed at this. Hopefully, all UNSC members share this goal.
Thank you.
