Statement by Representative of the Russian Federation Dina Gilmutdinova at a UNSC Council on Israel's recognition of Somaliland
Mr. President,
We thank Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari for his briefing.
We, like most of our colleagues on the Council, are deeply concerned about Israel's politically motivated decision to recognize the independence of Somaliland. It runs counter to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
We understand the justifiable reaction to this decision by Somalia, as well as by the leadership of the African Union, States of the region, and countries of the Arab-Muslim world. We are concerned about the possible repercussions, including the potential escalation of tensions in the Horn of Africa and beyond.
In principle, we advocate resolving intra-Somali conflicts through inclusive national dialogue without external interference. We support Mogadishu's efforts to overcome security threats, establish lasting peace, and attain sovereign priorities, with due regard to cultural and historical diversity of this multinational country. We call on international players to refrain from securing their own geopolitical interests in the Horn of Africa region through exploiting the systemic problems of African States.
We would also like to stress that decisions such as the one taken by the Israeli cabinet is liable to further impede the efforts by Mogadishu and its partners to combat Al-Shabaab terrorists.
Colleagues,
Last week, in explanation of their votes on UNSC resolution on the African Union Mission Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), Council members spoke at length about how much these efforts cost. First and foremost, they cost thousands of lives of African peacekeepers, Somali security forces and civilians. We must not forget that.
It is important to note that the current complex challenges in Somalia are largely a consequence of the bitter legacy of Western colonialism. This, however, also applies to other African States. I think anyone in this chamber is cognizant of the “root causes” of most territorial disputes or inter-ethnic and inter-religious conflicts in contemporary Africa.
Russia, and earlier the USSR, have consistently raised this issue both at the Security Council and at the UN General Assembly. Along with a wide array of like-minded countries, Russia continues to fight colonialism in all its forms, primarily through facilitating the establishment of a truly multipolar world based on equal and mutually beneficial inter-state relations that rule out pressure and interference from outside.
Specifically, this month, upon the initiative of the Group of Friends in Support of the UN Charter, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming December 14 as the International Day against Colonialism in all its Forms and Manifestations.
As the situation under discussion today shows, Africa still needs such active international efforts on the anti-colonial track. We call on all sensible countries that are interested in advancing the establishment of truly independent and successful African development models to join these efforts.
In the context of combatting colonialism, as it applies to the situation in Somalia, it is also crucial to reiterate our fundamental position – voluntary financial assistance to the Somalis is to supposed to be provided on a gratuitous basis and cannot be conditioned politically.
In conclusion, we would like to express our solidarity with the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Somali people at this difficult juncture. Russia will continue to support Mogadishu in its fight against international terrorism and attempts at unilateral political and economic pressure.
Thank you.
