The Russian Federation supports direct negotiations between the two parties as the only framework for progress towards a solution

New York (United Nations), November 1, 2023 (SPS) - Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy, First Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations, confirmed that his country abstained from voting on the draft Security Council resolution submitted by the United States regarding the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in the Western Sahara (MINURSO) given that none of its principled and evidence-supported comments it has made for several years now have been taken into account.

The Russian diplomat added that for this reason, the resolution does not reflect the real situation on the ground regarding the settlement of the Western Sahara issue, and is unlikely to contribute to the efforts of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, to resume direct negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario Front with the aim of reaching a solution acceptable to both parties.

He reaffirmed his country's firm position on the settlement of Western Sahara, calling for a balanced and impartial approach and supporting the efforts of the Personal Envoy to hold direct negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario Front, stressing that the final settlement formula must be accepted by both parties and provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara through actions consistent with the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter.

In conclusion, Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy stressed that the position taken by his country during the vote essentially reflects its reaction to the indifferent position of the pen holder while working on the draft resolution. This confirms, added Ambassador Polyanskiy once again the most serious doubts about the neutrality of the countries that hold the pen regarding special files on the Security Council’s agenda.

However, he stated that his country continues to support the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), which plays a key role in achieving stability in terms of creating a conductive environment on the ground for the resumption of dialogue between Morocco and the Polisario Front and advancing the peace process.

SPS