Explanation of vote by Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva after the Vote on a UNSC Draft Resolution on UN Interim Security Force for Abyei
Mr. President,
The Russian Federation abstained in the vote on the UNSC draft resolution to extend the mandate of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) for another year.
Once again, we must point out the biased approach of the US penholders of the Abyei file. Despite discrepancies in the text, the sponsors decided not to trouble themselves with searching for a compromise and instead presented a draft in blue that left Security Council members with serious questions. When the text was under consideration, the US twice made cosmetic changes, which did not alter the main message of the document, namely linking the fate of UNISFA to the governments of Sudan and South Sudan accomplishing the benchmarks on resolving the final status of Abyei. We’ve seen no serious changes even after yesterday's discussions on the text, when there was a threat that the resolution would not be adopted at all. The document is based on an incorrect premise – the UN presence should not be conditioned on the lack of tangible progress in resolving the situation in this area. Previously, peacekeepers were deployed there precisely to fill the security vacuum and protect civilians from violence. Instead, the Council is to adopt a resolution that creates scenarios for the possible withdrawal of UNISFA for reasons not directly related to them. The sponsors, knowing full well that virtually all Council members, including Russia, consistently support preserving the UN presence in Abyei and will not block the extension of the mandate, took advantage of this to include the aforementioned premise in the text.
We agree that a clear message should be sent to the parties regarding the need to resolve the outstanding issues, including rekindling bilateral border mechanisms, establishing police forces, and ensuring the demilitarized status of Abyei. On the other hand, it is clear that given serious internal challenges facing Port Sudan and Juba, the issue of Abyei is not among their immediate priorities. Accordingly, it seems inappropriate to force the Sudanese and South Sudanese to rush to resolve all issues related to Abyei. What is important hear is that relative stability is currently being maintained in the region.
We cannot agree with the exaggeration of climate issues and the problems faced by women and children. We categorically object to adding an environmental component to the UNISFA mandate, which is not pertinent to it.
In conclusion, we would like to draw your attention to the incorrect naming of the two states. We believe that the refusal to use the term “government” in relation to Sudan and South Sudan is not simply verbal acrobatics, but a reflection of the desire of a number of Council members to stress the insufficient legitimacy of the leadership of each country. This is an unacceptable and erroneous approach that demonstrates disrespect for two sovereign States. No one has the right to diminish, at their own discretion, the legitimacy of the leadership of States that are full-fledged members of the UN and responsible representatives of the international community. Another such manifestation is the inappropriate demand that the Government of Sudan expedite the issuance of visas to the foreign police contingent that is planned to be deployed in Abyei. This is a sovereign matter for Port Sudan.
Thank you.
