Conflict Resources: Russia Presses UN Resolution to Prevent Terrorists from Collecting Ransom and Money from Oil

Feb 4, 2015 | Associated Press
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UNITED NATIONS –  Russia is pressing for adoption of a new U.N. resolution aimed at preventing terrorists from collecting ransom payments or money from the illegal sale of oil or antiquities.

Alexey Zaytsev, spokesman for Russia's U.N. Mission, said Wednesday: "We are preparing it and we hope that it will be adopted in the next few days."

The Security Council passed a resolution in January 2014 calling on the 193 U.N. member states to prevent terrorists from benefiting directly or indirectly from ransom payments and a presidential statement in July 2014 reminding all countries that buying illegally obtained oil violates U.N. sanctions.

Diplomats said the Russian draft includes specific measures to squeeze the finances of terrorist groups including the Islamic State from ransom, oil and antiques. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the negotiations have been private and did not provide details of the measures.