Explanation of vote by Charge d'Affaires of the Russian Federation Dmitry Polyanskiy after the UNSC vote on a draft resolution expanding the mandate of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia
Mr.President,
Russia voted in favor of the draft resolution on expansion of the mandate of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia that was put forward by the delegation of Great Britain.
We believe this is a well-timed decision that the Security Council makes on the eve of the full enactment of the agareement on a bilateral ceasefire between the government of Colombia and the "National Liberation Army". The special political mission is called to play a key role in verification and monitoring of implementation of the agreements that the sides achieved with the help of Cuba as guarantor of the peace process.
We stand ready to consider an option of giving an additional mandate to the UNVMC, should Bogota also reach an agreement with the "Central General Staff".
We trust that under the guidance of Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the UNVMC will take a responsible approach, as it has always done, to the new tasks and will continue to contribute to peacebuilding in Colombia.
Thank you.
