11 September 2023
Thank you, Mr President,
Let me start by saying that Albania aligns itself with the Statement delivered by the European Union and allow me to make some additional remarks in my national capacity.
Mr President,
It is regrettable that we meet today to discuss Russia’s use of the veto power, once again, undermining the multilateral system we have built to maintain international peace and security.
Albania supported the resolution presented by France and the United Arab Emirates – to renew the targeted sanctions in Mali and extend the mandate of the Panel of Experts – as a compromised text.
Russia’s veto disregarded the Council’s views, including its African member states, as 13 members voted in favour.
The sanctions regime was created to support the implementation of the 2015 Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali and address obstructions.
As MINUSMA departs, the Panel of Experts played a crucial role in monitoring the implementation of the Peace Agreement and UN sanctions, through regular reports to the Security Council Committee.
Disturbingly, the Panel of Experts had recently reported that systematic human rights abuses, including conflict-related sexual violence, were carried out by the Wagner Group to advance their own security objectives in Mali.
We are concerned that such violations may go unchecked without these reports.
We urge all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and human rights law.
The Peace Agreement remains an essential instrument for securing long-term peace and stability in Mali.
We urge all stakeholder and international partners to remain committed to its implementation.
The people of Mali should be at the centre of our deliberations.
Thank you, Mr President.