Some of the protesters against the change of power in Sudan are themselves using violence, first deputy permanent representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations Dmitry Polyanskiy told reporters on Tuesday before the UN Security Council discussed the situation in Sudan.
"As far as I can see, there are not only peaceful protests, but protests with the use of force," he said.
Polyanskiy added that the violence must stop anyway. " It is necessary to stop violence from all sides. That's the most important thing," he said. - "I look forward to hearing reports on what's happening on the ground."
According to Polyanskiy, it is up to the people of Sudan to decide whether the events in that country are a coup or not.
"It's hard to say whether this is a coup or not. A coup has a specific definition. Situations like [in Sudan] are in many parts of the world that are not called a coup," Polyanskiy said. - "Sometimes it's called a regime change. You have to look at it. It's up to the Sudanese to decide if it's a coup or not." "There was a change of power by force in Sudan in 2019. Was it called a coup? <...> I don't think it is our job to call this situation a coup or not. You know what happened in Ukraine in 2014, we think it was a coup," he added.
Russia's first deputy representative was asked to comment on remarks by UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres, who called on powers to unite in the Security Council to ensure effective containment of the "epidemic of coups d'état". "The secretary-general usually does not criticize the Security Council because we (member states - TASS) are different forces. I understand that the secretary-general is extremely concerned, as is everyone," the diplomat said.
Polyanskiy responded negatively when asked if he knew anything about the fate of Sudanese prime minister Abdallah Hamdok and the future arrangement of the country. "That's what we're going to find out right now," he noted.
Aid to Sudan
According to the diplomat, the world community should help Sudan in any case, Russia disagrees with the US, which has decided to freeze aid to the African country.
On Monday, Washington announced a decision to freeze financial aid to Sudan in connection with the coup in Khartoum. It was about $700 million for economic support. The funds were intended to help the democratic transition in Sudan.
When asked if he agreed with the US decision, Polyanskiy replied in the negative. "No. Because we have to help Sudan anyway [in the transition]," the diplomat said. The Russian representative also noted that he had not seen documented proposals for a possible UN Security Council statement.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Zuma \ TASS
Based on materials from TASS