UNITED NATIONS, March 27. /TASS/. Russia remains committed to goals and tasks enshrined by UN Security Council Resolution 1540 on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), Russian First Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dmitry Polyansky said.
"After two decades, Security Council resolution 1540 remains relevant as a universal international document aimed at providing cooperation and assistance to states on issues of non-proliferation. That is, in particular, effective measures at the national level to prevent weapons of mass destruction, their means of delivery and related materials from falling into the hands of non-state actors. The imperative of this task cannot be overstated, i.a. against the backdrop of the persisting terrorist threats, to which our country became victim last week. The Russian Federation has always been committed to the goals and objectives of resolution 1540. We were among its initiators and took an active part in drafting its basic provisions," he told the UN Security Council.
The Russian diplomat went on to say that the document envisages a number of serious obligations for all member states, whose full implementation "requires the development of national legislation and law enforcement measures."
"We believe that 1540 Committee should prioritize ensuring a positive perception of the resolution by the entire international community. This is possible only if its provisions are not used as a pretext for interference in the internal affairs of states, and if the Committee itself does not turn into an instrument of such interference by receiving ‘control and oversight’ functions," Polyansky said.
"Introducing topics that go beyond the scope of resolution 1540 (such as counter-terrorism, new threats and challenges, and sanctions-related issues) is unacceptable. It is also important to remember that the Committee's Panel of Experts is strictly accountable to this body and can act only on its instructions," he added.