UN Secretary General Guterres: Black Sea Grains Initiative Promotes Global Food Security

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Guterres spoke at the UN General Assembly’s Urgent Special Session on Ukraine, which was held as the Russia-Ukraine war nears its first year.

Noting that the attack, which violated international law and the UN Charter, had effects beyond Ukraine, Guterres said: “As I said from day one, Russia’s attack on Ukraine tests the foundations and values ​​of our multilateral system. he said.

Recalling that, according to the UN Charter, all members must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of another state, Guterres said that the UN position is very clear. and that Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, unity and integrity within its recognized borders expressed its commitment to territorial integrity.

BLACK SEA GRAINS INITIATIVE

Guterres pointed out that about 40 percent of the Ukrainian people need humanitarian assistance and that basic infrastructure is under attack.

Guterres recalled that the UN has many different initiatives to provide assistance and that it launched a $5.6 billion aid request for Ukraine last week, calling for “full support” from member states.

Guterres said: “The Black Sea Grain Initiative has demonstrated the possibility for Ukraine and Russia to promote global food security with the support of Turkey and the UN. Despite some challenges, grain and other food shipments from Ukraine are bringing change.” he performed the assessment of it.

Stating that they are trying to remove obstacles to the implementation of the memorandum of understanding signed between the UN and Russia to facilitate the export of Russian food products and fertilizers to the global market, Guterres stressed that these initiatives are important for the fight. against global food insecurity and said: “We will continue to support these types of initiatives that benefit millions of people.” saying.

Guterres affirmed that despite the deep mistrust between the parties, progress has been made on issues such as the exchange of prisoners and that these efforts should be expanded.

Emphasizing that increased military activity poses a great threat, especially in regions where nuclear facilities are located, Guterres stressed that the safety of all nuclear power plants in Ukraine must be guaranteed.

Guterres said the war also creates regional instability and global tension, making it difficult to transfer resources to major issues, noting that implicit threats to use nuclear weapons are unacceptable.

Guterres, signaling that it is time to get out of the abyss, said: “War is not the solution, war is the problem itself. The Ukrainian people are suffering a lot. Ukrainians, Russians and everyone needs peace. Although peace may seem difficult to achieve today, lasting peace must be based on the Charter of the United Nations and international law. As long as the conflict continues, it will be difficult for us to achieve this. We have no time to waste.” warned.

The DECISION project WILL BE VOTE

As the Russia-Ukraine War is in its first year, the UN will also discuss the latest security situation in the region during the week in both the General Assembly and the Security Council.

Representatives of more than 70 countries, including Turkey, will speak at the General Assembly held today. In the session that will continue tomorrow, a non-binding resolution that is expected to be supported by many countries will be put to the vote.

In the draft resolution, member states will be required to support a lasting, comprehensive and just peace in Ukraine, while Russia will call for the withdrawal of all its military forces from the territory of Ukraine. (AA)