Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Explanation of vote by Vassily Nebenzia, Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN, after UNSC vote on extension of UNSMIL mandate

Mr. President,

The Russian Federation abstained during the vote on draft UNSC resolution on renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), put forward by the delegation of the UK. We abstained, because not all of our proposed amendments that were very essential to us were reflected in the language of the draft resolution.

In our approaches to the Libyan settlement, we have consistently proceeded from the point that solutions that are proposed to Libya can be implemented only given that the Libyan sides agree to them. This fundamental principle has been anchored in UNSC resolutions. Only Libyans themselves can determine the future of their country. We said this back when we were adopting UNSC resolution 2510. This is the principle that must apply to all decisions, including those related to monitoring of cessation of hostilities, i.a. on the part of UNSMIL. Such monitoring, once Libyans agree on it within the effective negotiation mechanisms, should be implemented upon request and given consent of the Libyan sides.

We reiterate our lasting support for the UN efforts, including those of UNSMIL, aimed at promotion of Libyan settlement. Russia shares the international consensus that the United Nations plays the leading role in this process. We hope that UNSG Special Envoy – Head of UNSMIL – will be appointed in the near term.

Thank you.