UN DK Approves Security Mission To Haiti: Russia: We Don't Mind, But There Are Questions That Haven't Answered

JAKARTA - A number of Russian questions about the security mission to Haiti approved by the UN Security Council remain unanswered, while Moscow expects more detailed information, Russia's Permanent Deputy for the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said at a Security Council meeting on Tuesday.

"We have no objection to this initiative. At the same time, we must understand, send armed forces to other countries, even at the request of the country, is an extreme action that requires a thorough examination," he said.

"However, during the planning stage, we found that our legitimate questions to obtain more detailed information about the concept of operation, the modality of the use of force and the withdrawal strategy were not answered," Nebenzya explained.

"Even worse, we have the impression that there are efforts to provide UN legitimacy to this non-PBB mission, through a Security Council decision that is not fully considered and taken into account carefully," he said.

Nebenzya underlined, Russia, which abstained in the vote on resolutions promoted by the United States and Ecuador, is well aware of the "scale and urgency of security concerns in Haiti."

"We consistently encourage responsible assistance to the country taking into account Haiti's public opinion," Nebenzya concluded.

As previously reported, UNSC on Monday allowed foreign security missions to Haiti, a year after the Caribbean nation asked for help to fight the gang group that mostly controls the capital, Port-au-Prince.

"More than just a simple vote, this is actually an expression of solidarity with the people who are in trouble," Haitian Foreign Minister Jean Victor Geneus told the council.

"This is a glimmer of hope for people who have suffered for too long," he said.

Of the total 15 UN DK members, only Russia and China chose to abstain. Meanwhile, 13 other council members voted in favor.

UNSC emphasizes "urgent needs" for Haiti to make progress towards "transparent, inclusive and credible election processes, as well as free and fair elections."