V.Churkin: Russia is Confident that Violence and Armed Conflicts Can Have no Place in the 21 Century


Speaking at the United Nations Security Council meeting “Protection of Civilians “, the Russian ambassador to the United Nations Vitaly Churkin called to abandon selective and unilateral approaches to violation of international humanitarian law and ensure rigid adherence to human rights standards.

“The Russian Federation is for peaceful settlement of arguments and is confident that violence and armed conflicts must not have place in the twenty first century. But one has to admit the reality. In spite of the international community’s efforts, armed conflicts still emerge and claim life of many people, majority of which are civilians,” said Vitaly Churkin. He added that peaceful population needs for special defense.

The ambassador said that Russia decidedly denounces both premeditated attacks on civilians, and their death in consequence of nonselective or disproportionate use of force, which is a gross violation of the international humanitarian law.

The Russian ambassador noted that the armed groups attacking peaceful population, committing terrorist acts and taking hostages are inexcusable. “We emphasize the responsibility of all parties for enhancing civilians’ security and rigid adherence to the standards of international humanitarian law. We support thorough investigation of relevant incidents and punishment of guilty persons,” said the ambassador Churkin. He added that the same also concerns activities of private safeguard enterprises.

Vitaly Churkin underlined that all parties in armed conflicts are responsible for enhancing civilians’ security, and activities of the international community should be directed at contribution to national efforts in this field.

“Their taking of appropriate actions, especially power ones, is possible only after receiving sanction of the Security Council and in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations Organization,” said the Russian ambassador. He added that problems of civilians’ defense within the mandates of peacemaking operation still require careful analysis.
2009-11-13 13:01