Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Remarks by Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations, following UNSC meeting on threats to international peace and security

Q: Have you seen the US draft resolution calling for a new independent mechanism?

A: What do you think about our draft resolution calling for a new independent investigation mechanism? It is on the table, it is in the blue. We can adopt it right away.

Q: Do you feel that the Americans are serious about the diplomatic solution or do you think they will go for air strike?

A: From what we hear now I am afraid that they are looking for a military option which is very-very dangerous – that’s what we are trying to say.

Q: What do you think about the American draft resolution?

A: It contains some unacceptable elements which make it even worse. You heard our statement today where we said that our military, radiological, biological, chemical unit was on site of the alleged chemical accident and it confirmed that there were no chemical substances found on the ground, no dead bodies found, no poisoned people in the hospitals. The doctors in Douma deny that there were people who came to the hospital claiming that they were under the chemical attack. The Syrian Red Crescent that it was said to be treating people who were poisoned denied that was ever doing it. What we are saying, we are requesting the OPCW whose Director-General said they were ready to go to Douma to do it immediately and see themselves what happens to the ground.

Q: And what about the access?

A: It’s not us, it’s the Syrian authorities and our military.

Q: And if the USA launches a military strike against Syria?

A: They are really going through very dangerous thin line, which is dangerous not only for Syria itself but for the world, because it’s a bit too dangerous to trespass a limit that is very close, it’s not dangerous just for Syria but for international peace and security in general.

Q: If the US draft is put to vote, what will be a Russian view?

A: Don’t ask me premature questions.

Q: Will it be justification for a military strike?

A: There is no justification for a military strike.