Mr. President,

Ukraine supported and cosponsored the resolution since, in our view, will pave the way for further stabilization of the DRC.

Today the Security Council approved a document that is intended, for the first time, to prioritize tasks of MONUSCO — primarily protection of civilians and support for the implementation of 31^stDecember agreement. We hope that this approach will help the Mission to address the existing challenges in the DRC in a more efficient and effective manner.

1970, 1977, 1984, 2006 and 2011 — these are the years of previous Presidential elections held in the DRC. We hope that in 2017 the people of this country again will have a chance to choose their head of state and determine their future — in a free and fair manner. It can be a year, when a long-awaited peace and stability can finally emerge on the horizon. Thus, we call on all national stakeholders to spare no effort in implementing the 31^st December agreement swiftly and without any preconditions.

Mr. President,

I cannot but join others in expressing our deep condolences to the families of Michael Sharp and Zaida Catalan of the Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as the USA and Sweden.

The world and the UN lost two brave and decent persons, who, risking their own lives, were trying to bring peace and stability to the DRC.

No effort has to be spared in bringing to accountability those, who are responsible for this outrage.

Finally, Mr. President, since this is the last day of the UK Presidency, I wish to sincere congratulate you with a very successful and productive month with a masterful British touch.

Thank you.