Presidency of the Security Council: Russia defends itself against criticism

Security Council: Russia defends itself once morest criticism of its presidency

Russia defended itself once morest the avalanche of criticism over its presidency of the Security Council in April, assuring that it would not abuse this position. “Russia does not abuse the prerogatives of the presidency. There is on the one hand the national position and on the other the role of the presidency of the Council”, hammered the Russian ambassador Vassili Nebenzia during the press conference which marks the beginning of each rotating presidency. Russia took over the council presidency on Saturday under rules that provide for a change of presidency every month in alphabetical order of permanent and non-permanent members.

“As you know, Russia has chaired the Security Council since April 1. It’s like April Fool’s Day,” US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield told reporters. “The truth is, it’s a rotating seat. We expect them to behave in a professional manner,” she acknowledged.

The Presidency of the Security Council gives certain prerogatives in terms of the agenda. But as a permanent member, Russia already has the ability to get emergency meetings when it asks for them. The country holding the presidency also usually organizes two or three specific meetings on selected topics. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is announced to chair one of them on April 24, on “the defense of the principles of the UN charter”. “Russia is not in a position to talk regarding international law or UN values,” Deputy British Ambassador James Kariuki said of the event.