Remarks by Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield Following the Vote on a Russia-Drafted UN Security Council Resolution Reauthorizing the UN Cross-Border Mechanism into Syria
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield
U.S. Representative to the United Nations
New York, New York
July 11, 2023
AS DELIVERED
Thank you once again, Madam President.
The United States is committed to reauthorizing the cross-border mechanism. And as I said earlier this morning, this is a moral and humanitarian imperative. The Syrian people are counting on us to do get this done.
However, the United States could not, in good conscience, support the text that Russia forced upon this Council. Russia’s resolution failed to ensure that aid would continue to reach the Syrian people during the cold winter months.
Let’s be clear: both penholders made every effort to listen to all Council members and broker a compromise and the E10 was united. But Russia refused to meaningfully participate in negotiations, and instead, demanded everyone accept its ultimatum – like a bully in a playground, my way or the highway – delaying the vote while they pretended to negotiate.
And then we hear this morning if our resolution is not voted on, then it’s over. That’s their way of negotiating. This is not the behavior of a responsible country – a permanent member of the Council. Russia was not forced to exercise its veto this morning. It chose to use it.
The United States will continue to work with all Council members to renew this life-saving mechanism. And we must urge Russia to reconsider its position. But in the meantime, let’s be clear: we will continue to support the Syrian people.
Thank you, Madam President.
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