Russian Foreign Ministry on UN Security Council's objectives during Russia's presidency

In June, during Russia's presidency of the UN Security Council, the world organisation will continue to assist in the realisation of the "road map" of the Middle East settlement. This help to Palestine and Israel is especially important in connection with the "recent positive steps" in the peaceful process, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yuri Fedotov has announced.

In his interview with RIA Novosti he also spoke up for the development of similar plans for "Syria and Lebanon". Besides, the UN Security Council will have to extend the UN forces' mandate on monitoring the separation of lands on the Golan Heights, which is due to expire in June, the Russian diplomat stated.

He stressed that the UN Security Council's important task was to continue making efforts on political settlement and economic restoration in Afghanistan. "We should not let the international community's large-scale work in this country be undermined due to a certain lack of attention caused by the complicated situation in the Middle East," the Russian deputy foreign minister stated. According to him, the main event of Russia's presidency will be the UN Security Council's open meeting on the threat of drug trafficking posed by Afghanistan, which is scheduled to take place on June 17th.

The Security Council intends to consider the Kososvo situation in June. According to the Russian diplomat, the situation in this Yugoslavian region is "complicated", primarily, due to the unsuccessful dialogue between the UN mission and Belgrade.

On June 15th, the Security Council will have to extend the mandate of the UN peacekeeping forces in Cyprus. Moscow believes it important that the UN should be present on the island as a stabilising factor as well as for creation of favourable conditions to promote the inter-Cyprian dialogue. Development in Africa's "hot spots" /the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cote d'Ivoire/ will also be one of the main focuses of the UN Security Council during Russia's presidency, the deputy minister stated.