Russia supports UN role, rejects US rules on world platforms — senior diplomat

VIENNA: Russia pays great attention to activities on international platforms provided the UN retains its central role, Deputy Foreign Minist...

VIENNA: Russia pays great attention to activities on international platforms provided the UN retains its central role, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin told Russian media on the sidelines of the 67th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs.

"At this meeting of the commission at the high-level segment of the 67th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs we are represented by an inter-ministerial delegation. This confirms that we are seriously minded about activities on this track. We are adamant that it is necessary and possible to work on international platforms, provided that the UN retains the central role with its principles, which are enshrined in the UN Charter and which, of course, have nothing to do with the ‘rules’ that the Western countries, primarily the United States and their satellites, are trying to impose on us, that is, by the rules that they themselves establish and that they themselves change arbitrarily," Vershinin said.

He remarked that the current high-level segment "does not contain breakthrough solutions," but it is very important to properly consolidate the understanding of the international community's actions in the fight against drugs.

"This is a viable and important platform, and we seek to create a common front and harmonize efforts. This platform is not simple for us, but it is crucial. I draw attention to the fact that the number of like-minded countries, that is, countries that think, want and move roughly in the same direction that we want to move in, is increasing. Today, there are over 40 countries that share our views. This is good, we will continue to work on it, persuading everyone of the need to work in this way," Vershinin said.

He also stated that a "group of like-minded associates" is preparing a final document in the form of a statement by several dozen countries "on cardinal issues related to the fight against drugs."

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