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Russia suggests extending stay of UNSMIS for three months

The Mission's mandate expires on July 20
Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS
Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS

UNITED NATIONS, July 11 (Itar-Tass) — At the UN Security Council, Russia has tabled a draft resolution suggesting that the period of stay of the UN Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS), whose mandate expires on July 20, be extended for three months, Alexander Pankin, First Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation (RF) at the UN, told Russian journalists here on Tuesday.

"It seems to us that a period of three months is sufficient. I cannot say that this is a standard period (for the Mission's stay). But, in present-day conditions, considering the dynamically developing situation, it appears sufficient to us," Pankin pointed out.

The Russian diplomat said the draft resolution tabled by the RF "is absolutely non-confrontational". "Its main precept is in support for the efforts of (special representative of the UN and the League of Arab States) Kofi Annan and in support for the understandings that were reached in Geneva at the Action Group meeting on June 30," the diplomat said.

Pankin emphasized that Russia is ready to accept the wishes, set out by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his recent report and concerning the functioning of the Mission".

"This is concerning a reconsideration of some mechanisms for its functioning, which include both civilian and military observation components, possibly with some curtailment and a more flexible deployment depending on conditions which, we hope, will be taking shape in a positive way," the Russian diplomat pointed out.