Moscow could raise issue of sanctions on Turkey at UNSC over Daesh oil

Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vitaly Churkin (Internet photo)

UNITED NATIONS – Russia could raise the issue of imposing sanctions on Turkey at the UN Security Council in light of oil smuggling by the Islamic State (IS, or Daesh in the Arab world) terrorist group but Moscow is yet to make a decision, Russia’s envoy to the UN Vitaly Churkin said.

“In theory, of course, [imposing sanctions on Turkey] is possible. But we live in the real world. You can see that NATO decided to shield Turkey in the case with our downed plane. Others condemn Turkey on the sidelines, but they try not to do it openly. That’s why we, given the reality of it, must predict what can happen,” Churkin told RIA Novosti.

Answering a question whether Moscow could raise the issue of anti-Turkey sanctions at the UN Security Council, the envoy said it was possible.

“We can. If we want to. It is a political decision what issues to raise… The tactic must be carefully thought through in this matter,” Churkin said.

The United States and Turkey should have notified the UN Security Council of oil smuggling by Daesh but failed to do so, Churkin said.

“I asked [US commanders in the Pentagon] a very simple question: you’ve been flying there for a year, we’ve been there for two months and already provided many photos showing that oil is smuggled through the Turkish border. Didn’t you know about it? They must have known, and if they did, they should have reported it to the Security Council.”

“Under Resolution 2199, which was adopted in February at our initiative, countries must provide information to the Security Council if they have such information. Which means, that the Americans must provide this information. Not to mention Turkey, which should have reported any illegal trade if it is happening there. They didn’t do it,” Churkin said.

The Russian UN envoy also said that Moscow and Washington were preparing a new Security Council resolution that they expect to adopt on December 17, which can oblige the UN Secretary General to report to the council on the situation with oil trade by terrorists.

“That’s why now we, together with the Americans, are preparing a new resolution with stricter requirements on reporting on this issue. Maybe, the Secretary General will be obliged to report regularly or some existing counter-terrorism bodies. The format is under discussion,” Churkin said.

Daesh is outlawed in many countries, including Russia.