Explanation of vote by Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva after the UNSC vote on a draft resolution on UNISFA mandate renewal
Mr.President,
The Russian Federation voted in support of UNSC draft resolution renewing the mandate of the UN Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA) for another six months. In current conditions, the work of the mission appears relevant and much needed.
At the same time, we regret that the US authors of the resolution made the document more accusatory: the resolution blames both states for the outstanding problems related to the activity of the peacekeeping mission. We do not deny that there remain some difficulties with staffing of UNISFA’s police contingent, appointing a civilian Deputy of the Mission, as well as ensuring access of peacekeepers to Athony airstrip. Yet the record shows that pressure and accusations of blocking the mandate cannot solve the problems. We call on UNISFA management to set forth consecutive efforts aimed at establishing constructive dialogue on these episodes with Khartoum and Juba. Positions of the sides and the concerns they express need to be taken into account.
Blue Helmets’ operations in Abyei, just as the work of any other UN peacekeeping mission, must rest upon basic peacekeeping principles. We also call on the Mission to be guided by the latest report of UNGA Special Peacebuilding Committee C-34, i.a. when addressing tasks related to protection of civilians in Abyei.
We also emphasize the need to strictly abide by the UN Guiding principles of humanitarian assistance set out in UNGA resolution 46/182 when carrying out humanitarian operations.
Thank you.
