Zelenskiy calls for UN reforms
The events in Ukraine were discussed at the high-level session held at the UN Security Council under the chairmanship of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Despite strong objections from the Russian Permanent Representation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who spoke first after the UN Secretary General, stated that many countries knew the facts about the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Zelenskiy said: “(The war between Russia and Ukraine) is a crime committed by Russia without provocation. Their goal is to seize the lands and resources of Ukraine. However, the terrorist State also seeks to subvert with its aggression the international norms intended to protect the world from wars.” he said.
“HUMANITY CAN NO LONGER PLACE ITS HOPE IN THE UN”
Stating that the UN General Assembly accepted that Russia was the “sole source” of the war, Zelenskiy made the following assessment.
“This changed nothing for Russia in the eyes of the UN. But everything changed for the UN. The UN has reached a stalemate in situations of aggression. Humanity no longer places its hopes in the UN. “World leaders are seeking new channels to protect their countries’ sovereign borders.”
Basically, Zelenskiy emphasized that the use of the veto power had to be reformed, thus arguing that the power of the UN Charter could be reconstructed.
Zelenskiy noted that the possibility of stopping the aggression by the UN Security Council or the UN General Assembly was prevented due to the “authority granted to the aggressor” and said: “The reason for the stalemate in today the UN is due to the veto power granted to an aggressor”. he said.
Zelenskiy claimed that inequality also makes the UN ineffective and said the veto power should be suspended in case of “massive oppression and human rights violations.”
Noting that Russia would not voluntarily give up this authority, Zelenskiy suggested that the UN General Assembly be given real power to limit its veto power.
UN CALL FOR PEACE
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also stated that “the Russian invasion of Ukraine”, which violates the UN Charter and international law, has increased global tensions and divisions and the nuclear threat.
Guterres stated that the UN clearly condemned the war and that the decision requiring Russia’s withdrawal from Ukrainian territory was approved by a large majority in the General Assembly, and that he consistently called for a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine.
Stating that civilians and civilian infrastructure were brutally and systematically attacked after the “Russian invasion”, Guterres said: “While the war caused death or injury to thousands of civilians, it destroyed lives, caused trauma to a generation of children “They separated families from each other, destroyed the economy and destroyed agricultural land.” “They turned them into minefields,” he said.
Guterres said about half of the Ukrainian population needed humanitarian aid and protection, and 6 million Ukrainians had to flee their country.
Drawing attention to the importance of the Black Sea Grains Initiative in this context, Guterres stated that global food prices decreased by approximately 23 percent thanks to the initiative.
Guterres stressed that attacks on grain warehouses and ports are unacceptable, saying: “Rising tensions could instantly shake markets and destabilize the region.” he warned.
Referring to Moscow’s activities after withdrawing from the agreement, Guterres said some circles, including the private sector, have begun to question whether Russia “really has the desire to return to the agreement.”
“I AM GRATEFUL TO Türkiye”
Guterres said: “I thank the Turkish State for its contributions to the Black Sea Grains Initiative. “I call on all member states to support our efforts.” saying.
Emphasizing that the UN continues to support peace efforts in Ukraine, Guterres stressed that the parties must avoid measures that further increase tension and lay the foundation for sustainable peace. Guterres: “There is no alternative to dialogue, diplomacy and just peace.” saying. (AA)