Remarks to the Press by Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia after Security Council briefing on Mali
Vassily Nebenzia: I think everybody was happy to come back home finally. It took us seven months, was a long road, and finally we are back. I think that's a good message as well. All members of the Council were saying that ECOSOC [Chamber] is fine. But, you know, the image of us in the Security Council is a very important message by itself.
Q.: I noticed that when people were talking, some took off their mask. You took off your mask, some people kept them on.
A.: That's their choice. I think we are pretty safe even with masks off. Besides, as I was saying, it's not the distance that is crucial. It's not even the partitions. It's being confident that you are not infected. If you are not infected, and you are not infected, we can kiss all right and nothing happens.
I encouraged my colleagues to do tests as often as they can, so that they are reassured themselves and reassure the rest of the Security Council.
Q.: Any news on the Libya Envoy? We have just asked the South African Ambassador? And he said that Mr.Mladenov is doing a very good job on the Middle East and that he should stay.
A.: There's really no news. It's a long time overdue. We had one round of it. This is the second one. I hope that it will be resolved and the sooner the better, because it's really an issue.
Q.: You want the peace talks now, don't you? And you need an Envoy.
A.: Yes. Well, things are moving there and Envoy is essential, of course.
