Explanation of vote by First Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Polyanskiy after the UNSC vote on a draft sanction resolution on Sudan
Mr. President,
Russia has voted in favor of the US-sponsored draft sanction resolution on Sudanese Darfur.
We agree with the approach proposed by the authors, which suggests that the resolution aims at purely technical extension of the sanction regime.
We are aware that the situation in Sudan, and in particular in “greater Darfur”, remains tense. Hostilities are ongoing in some parts of this region of the country. The situation remains difficult around the capital of northern Darfur, El Fasher, where the Sudanese Armed Forces, with the support of the local population, continue to repel units affiliated with the Rapid Support Force. We are convinced that these efforts by the Government of the country can bring long-awaited stability and restore order. That should also be the focus of the humanitarian efforts in Sudan. We know that work on providing necessary assistance to the country's population is already underway.
It is critical to ensure that any external actions to assist the Sudan are exclusively constructive in nature, not aimed at encouraging centrifugal tendencies in the country, and carried out only in coordination with the central authorities of the country. Today's unanimously adopted resolution to extend the sanctions regime regarding Darfur is intended preciely to stop such destructive impact. At the same time, we emphasize the unacceptability of the use of unilateral coercive measures by certain countries willing to exert additional pressure on the Sudanese stakeholders when there is a collective decision of the Security Council in place.
Thank you for your attention.
