NEW YORK. Nov 20 (Interfax) - The Russia-sponsored draft resolution on the extension of the mandate of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) - United Nations (UN) Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) for inquiries into instances of chemical weapons use in Syria remains 'on the table,' the Security Council members have the opportunity to participate in the work on the document, Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, said.
"Our draft resolution remains 'on the table.' Those who are concerned about the resumption of its [the JIM's] activities, who actually want that, they have the opportunity to participate in the work on this resolution instead of engaging in political propaganda," he said at a meeting of the UN Security Council.
Nebenzya expressed indignation that some Security Council members "are accusing Russia of closing down the JIM." "It appears that those who say so have short memories. Have you forgotten that it were you who closed down the JIM yesterday by voting against the resolution presented by Russia, China, and Bolivia?" he said.
Nebenzya pointed out that during the vote on the draft resolution sponsored by Bolivia, China, and Russia, "the Security Council had a good opportunity give the mechanism a new chance, revitalizing and strengthening it."
He urged Security Council members to refrain from shifting responsibility onto Russia. "It was your conscious choice, when you choose to continue pressuring Syria and confront Russia as the priority rather than ensuring a proper investigation of chemical crimes in the region. There's no need to overdramatize the JIM's suspending its work," Nebenzya said.
"Nothing prevents Security Council members from continuing to discuss improving" the JIM "and the possible resumption of its work," he said. "To that end, it is necessary to reach a common understanding of the need to eliminate the JIM's systemic weaknesses," the Russian diplomat said.