Remarks to the Press by Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia after Security Council consultations on the Middle East
Q: What were the Security Council consultations about?
A: We had discussions with Security Council member states about the agreements that were reached in Moscow yesterday, which of course is a positive development.
Members of the Security Council, to various extents, took note of and welcomed the agreements. We wanted to have press elements by the President – a joint version, but it was not possible because of the position of one delegation, so listen to the President of the Security Council. He will speak to you.
Q: Which delegation did not agree to press elements?
A: I believe it is not appropriate to say the name. Do some guessing.
Q: How optimistic are you that this agreement is going to hold?
A: That depends not on my optimism, but rather on the commitment of all parties. The Sochi agreement of 2018 was not fully implemented because many of its provisions were not delivered on time, and the hostilities that the rebels and terrorists started, in particular, earlier this year, led to escalation. But we hope this time the agreement is durable, provided that all parties maintain their commitments to the Additional Protocol. Still it does not exempt terrorists from being targeted. It was written even in the Additional Protocol.
Q: Ambassador, there have been some sporadic clashes today since the ceasefire took effect. Are you concerned about that?
A: In general, the ceasefire stays. There indeed have been some sporadic clashes. We hope we can put them out early.
