Explanation of vote by First Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Polyanskiy after the UNSC vote on sanctions renewal for the Central African Republic
Mr. President,
Russia could not support this draft resolution. We pay respect to the efforts of the penholdres. However, not all our points were accounted for during the work on the resolution. We stood for greater loosening of the arms embargo. Unfortunately, neither an official address of Bangui, nor our position were duly taken into consideration.
The CAR arms embargo may have been positive at the initial stage, however now it in fact impedes the re-equipment of the national army and security forces of the country - the institutions that bear the main responsibility for ensuring people’s peace and security. Whereas those who sabotage the peace process, armed groups feel free to replenish their resources through smuggled arms.
Facilitation of deliveries of some types of armored vehicles for the needs of the CAR is another small step to support the people of the republic. We must not forget that the legitimate authorities of the CAR call to lift the arms embargo completely. In our view, they have every reason to request this. That is why we are committed to further review of UNSC restrictions in July this year with an eye to loosening, and, prospectively, lifting them.
Sanctions is an important instrument that the Security Council uses to boost peace process and political dialogue. We should use this tool cautiously - in order to do no harm. Besides, any UNSC restrictions should evolutionize and adapt to the dynamic on the ground.
We would like to assure you that Russia will continue to provide assistance to the CAR both in the process of national reconciliation and in the context of strengthening enforcement bodies in order to normalize the situation in the country and achieve sustainable settlement of the protracted armed conflict.
Thank you.
