Checked Against Delivery
Mr. President,
Denmark, along with the majority of the Security Council members, voted in favour of the resolution that we are discussing today.
We deeply regret that the Russian Federation cast its veto, thus bringing to an abrupt end to the mandate for MINURSO – a critical peacekeeping mission. The veto raises important questions about the responsibility that this prerogative entails.
Denmark views three aspects as essential to this discussion.
First,
The exercise of the veto should never come at the expense of the Council's ability to act, particularly where matters of international peace and security are at stake.
Permanent members of the Council bear a special responsibility to exercise this right in good faith and to engage first and foremost in meaningful efforts to find common ground.
By not engaging constructively in the negotiations and by casting its veto, Russia prevented the Security Council from endorsing a framework that could have reinvigorated the political process. A political process, aimed at achieving a final and mutually acceptable solution that provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.
Such disruptive behaviour undermines the ability of Council members to reach common solutions and to uphold their primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security.
The veto should never be used as a tool of political obstruction through which one permanent member stands in the way of collective action and meaningful progress.
Second, President,
Denmark voted in favour of the resolution with the aim of preserving MINURSO’s stabilising presence on the ground, while at the same time establishing a forward-looking framework for advancing the political process.
After years of deadlock, a new window of opportunity for progress had emerged, presenting an opportunity that the Council could not ignore. Circumstances have changed, and our approach must change with them.
We recognise that the draft resolution was not perfect. In particular, we have consistently emphasised that the principle of self-determination must meaningfully guide the political process and that its outcome cannot be predetermined.
Nevertheless, we believe that substantive disagreements should be addressed through constructive negotiations, rather than by preventing the Council from acting at all.
Only by engaging in negotiations – and adapting the mandates of peacekeeping missions to meet the realities on the ground – can we as a Council make sure to seize and support momentum as it grows, rather than fuelling a static status quo.
Third,
We deeply regret that the Council was unable to extend MINURSO’s mandate. The decision has resulted in the termination of a longstanding UN presence on the ground, at a time of continued tensions and at a critical juncture for the political process.
Without MINURSO’s monitoring and engagement with the parties, the risk of an escalation in hostilities may increase, with potentially serious regional repercussions. We are also concerned about the lack of time to organise and carry out a safe and orderly drawdown.
The Council’s failure to reach agreement must not undermine prospects for a peaceful and negotiated solution in Western Sahara. We urge all parties to exercise restraint and remain engaged in efforts towards a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, in accordance with the UN Charter and the principle of self-determination.
The people of Western Sahara deserve to live in peace and dignity and to realise their right to self-determination. An important task remains for the Council to oversee that the UN continues to play a meaningful role in supporting this process.
Denmark stands ready to engage constructively in these efforts.
I thank you.
