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Russia abstains in UNSC vote on extension of EU operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In the adopted resolution the UN Security Council welcomed NATO’s decision to maintain its presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the form of military headquarters
UN Security Council EPA/ANDREW GOMBERT
UN Security Council
© EPA/ANDREW GOMBERT

UNITED NATIONS, November 12. /TASS/. Russia did not support in the UN Security Council on Tuesday the resolution, sanctioning the extension for one year of the powers of the EU Stabilization Force (SFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Russia was the only country of the 15 Security Council member states that abstained during the voting.

The document authorizes the UN member states, acting with EU mediation, to extend for an additional 12-month period the mandate of the multinational stabilization force (EUFOR Althea operation). In the adopted resolution the UN Security Council welcomed NATO’s decision to maintain its presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the form of military headquarters.

Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vitaly Churkin called for the earliest withdrawal of the staff of the UN High Representative from the region and for ceasing external interference in the country’s affairs. The diplomat said the country’s October elections were democratic in nature, adding that they “have again confirmed the ability of the local sides to cope with their tasks without the international protectorate’s support.