Explanation of vote by Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Polyanskiy after the UNSC vote on a draft resolution on the extension of the mandate of the MSS Mission in Haiti
Mr. President,
The Russian Federation voted in favor of the draft resolution sponsored by the USA and Ecuador to extend the mandate of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti for the period of one year in an unchanged format.
By unanimously adopting the resolution, the Council sends a message of support for Kenya and other troop-contributing countries in their efforts to stabilize the dire situation in Haiti. It has been only three months since the deployment of MSS in Haiti began, and we expect that throughout this new mandate, the Mission will be able to expand its presence and achieve its objectives related to countering organized crime in the country. Until that happens, we believe that it is premature to plan any transformation of the international presence.
It is clear that crime cannot be defeated by force alone. There is a need for resolute and urgent action to counter smuggling American weapons that have flooded into Haiti. It is also important to ensure the internal political stabilization of the country and bring Haiti back to the constitutional track through further advancement of the inclusive dialogue and conduct of presidential elections. We believe that the Council should prioritize those two objectives in particular.
Thank you.
