![]() ![]() And there’s a new UN Secretary-General, Guterres, who has to somehow handle the five major powers on the Security Council that backed his election. The United States and its new ambassador are placing great pressure on the UN to cut costs and staff. Ten years in a UN post is a long time by traditional diplomatic standards, but Russia tends to keep its lead diplomat at the UN in place for a long while.Ĭhurkin’s passing comes at a time of change at the United Nations. Had he been there, tomorrow’s planned meeting involving Ukraine and its foreign minister would likely have provided some sharp comments from Churkin. He was not like the dozens of other faceless men in suits walking the hallways. But Churkin, unlike many of the other 192 ambassadors, had a way of getting his message out with some flair and some bite. Hardly a meeting about conflict would pass without Churkin reminding his collegues of US attacks to remove Moammar Gadhafi from power in Libya, which proved, in his opinion, that “humanitarian intervention” doesn’t work. When asked by reporters about Trump’s election victory and its impact, Churkin could not be swayed to discuss it.Ī career diplomat, he was well-connected at the Kremlin and would not go rogue while representing his country. It was Churkin who vetoed many Security Council resolutions pushed by Western countries seeking a diplomatic end to the conflict.Ĭhurkin was always a staunch proponent of Moscow’s line – not just on Syria, but on the downing of a Malaysia Airlines plane over eastern Ukraine and the Russian move into Georgia. Of course Churkin, with his unique personality, will also be remembered for siding with Syrian President Bashar Assad through years of civil war. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) Richard Drew/APĪnalysis: Nikki Haley adds to tough talk with North Korea response Nikki Haley, addresses a Security Council meeting of the United Nations, Thursday, Feb. “We’ve lost one of the most respected and influential members of the UN family,” he added, his voice choked with emotion, “and I can say with confidence that his name is going to live on in the annals of this organization’s history.”Ī Secretary-General can leave office after ten years and nobody really notices – but Churkin? There were tears in diplomatic faces at the UN. “It’s a somber day for us all,” General Assembly President Peter Thomson told a Monday afternoon meeting. “Although we served together for a short time, I greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with him and will deeply miss his insights, skills and friendship.” “Ambassador Churkin was a uniquely skilled diplomat, a powerful orator with great wit, and a man of many talents and interests,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement. ![]() British UN Ambassador Matthew Rycroft told me he was a “diplomatic giant.” From diplomats who argued with him to reporters whom he scolded about their questions, Churkin was without a doubt the most standout UN diplomat. Even if you didn’t like his policies, you still kinda liked the man. Vitaly Churkin, Russia's ambassador to UN, dies suddenly at 64Įverybody knew Ambassador Churkin. Vitaly Churkin airstrikes suspicious_00010307.jpg CNN There are cameras everywhere, leading right up to the doorstep of the Security Council – not the case at fortress-like embassies around the world. The United Nations is where ambassadors can stand out and actually become media stars. RELATED: Vitaly Churkin, Russia’s ambassador to the UN, dies suddenly There are several deputies in the Russian mission, but the post calls for a heavyweight type from Russia’s diplomatic ranks. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has been described as upset by Churkin’s death, will have to choose a replacement. The deputy UN spokesperson gasped when he heard the news during the daily briefing.Ĭhurkin’s death came at a time when the world is focused on the relationship between President Donald Trump and the Russian government, as Michael Flynn’s phone calls with Churkin’s colleague at the Russian Embassy in Washington recently cost the national security adviser his job. Diplomats will calmly call meetings in response to reports of death and destruction from far away.īut breaking news of Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin’s death ripped through the UN system like a thunderbolt. The United Nations is used to receiving news of tragedy. ![]()
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