Statement by Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia prior to the UN Security Council vote on the draft resolution on Idlib put forward by Russia and China
We present our draft resolution on Idlib in the framework of efforts to improve the humanitarian situation in this region of Syria.
Unlike the other draft resolution, the veto on which I have already explained, our text is characterized solely by the humanitarian dimension, it does not contain any politicized or controversial passages. It foresees support for the cessation of hostilities that has been introduced, and for ensuring humanitarian access to Idlib.
When making an explanation of vote on that resolution, the representative of the United States said the Council had not been able to agree on ceasefire. We do not need to – ceasefire in Idlib has been in effect since 31 August 2019. Ironically, the U.S. aviation was the first one to violate it, as it attacked targets in Idlib exactly on the day the ceasefire started – 31 August. We were called to stop brutal attacks in Syria. It seems to me, the U.S. should address these calls to itself. We remember too well how the American air force fought against terrorism in Iraq: in Mosul and other human settlements. We remember the way they ‘observed’ the international humanitarian law. Our Air-Space Forces do not raze down to the ground entire cities, they target only the reconnoitered and verified targets that shelter terrorists. They avoid any attacks that might affect the civilians.
The Council Members can hardly doubt any of the provisions of our draft resolution. There is an opportunity to come to agreement on the humanitarian situation in Syria today. If there is such doubt, both us and the international community will be eager to listen to it.
When voting on the Russian draft, we call upon our colleagues to proceed from the following. The stage of armed confrontation in the Syrian crisis is over. Those truly interested in political settlement have joined the process. Lots of work has already been done. We should join these goal-oriented efforts made i.a. by the UN rather than use humanitarian aspects for political purposes. The only ones to continue war with the task to destroy the Syrian state and make peaceful population suffer are terrorists. Attempts to cover for them or present them as de-radicalized opposition are unacceptable.
At the same time, as stipulated in our draft resolution, the international community should take steps to improve the humanitarian situation in Idlib.
We expect the Council Members to have a constructive approach and support our draft resolution.
