‘s authority Zelenskyy states that Russia’s use of the Security Council veto weakens the credibility of the international organization.
He stated that the current UN system gives disproportionate power to a select few, namely Russia, through their veto power, which negatively affects the influence of all other UN Members. This statement was made through an interpreter.
Viable reform process
Global leaders and diplomats gathered at the yearly discussion in the United Nations General Assembly crowded into the Security Council room for the assembly, which centered on maintaining the principles of the UN Charter through successful collaboration among multiple countries, in light of the ongoing 20-month conflict in Ukraine.
The Charter serves as the United Nations’ initial document and formalizes the key beliefs of global interactions, such as the equal status of all countries and the ban on employing force in international relations.
Mr. Zelenskyy stated that the UN is currently at a standstill regarding issues of aggression. Society no longer relies on the UN for protecting the borders of nations.
Global leaders are actively searching for alternative avenues and connections that could lessen the immense impact of issues – the issues that are discussed within these walls using persuasive language, instead of implementing actual remedies; with intentions to negotiate with murderers, rather than prioritize saving lives.
Reform and representation
The President of Ukraine expressed confidence in the ability of the UN Charter to effectively promote peace and security worldwide.
“Nevertheless, in order for this to occur, the prolonged deliberations and initiatives concerning UN reform need to be transformed into a workable process of UN reform,” he stated.
The focus should not solely be on representation within the Security Council. The need for reform lies in the use of veto power.
He stated that the veto power should not be used by those driven by animosity and conflict, and that the General Assembly, representing all UN Member States, should have greater authority to overcome vetoes.
Early warning mechanism
President Zelenskyy has expressed his support for suggestions to increase the size of the Security Council in order to better reflect present circumstances.
The Council consists of fifteen countries, with five being permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) who can veto resolutions or decisions. The remaining ten members are elected for two-year terms.
Mr. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine believes it is unfair that billions of individuals are not permanently represented in the Security Council.
The United Nations is dedicated to supporting the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
The UN is committed to upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, emphasized his unwavering dedication to the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine during his speech at the meeting.
According to him, the recent incursion of Ukraine by Russia goes against the United Nations Charter and global laws. This is causing further tension and divisions in the geopolitical landscape, endangering stability in the region, escalating the threat of nuclear warfare, and creating significant divides in our ever-evolving multipolar world.
At this moment, there is a greater need than ever for collaboration and willingness to find solutions together on a global scale. From the urgent issue of climate change to the extreme levels of inequality and the impact of disruptive technologies, these challenges must be addressed through cooperation and compromise. The speaker emphasized the importance of this approach.
Conversation, negotiation, and reconciliation.
According to Mr. Guterres, the United Nations has expressed strong disapproval of the ongoing war that started on February 24th. He also reminded that the General Assembly voted in favor of a resolution urging Russia to withdraw from Ukraine and another resolution rejecting their attempt to annex Ukrainian land.
The Secretary-General also described the devastating impact of the war, which includes constant assaults on innocent people and their infrastructure, tens of thousands of deaths and injuries, horrifying human rights abuses, and millions currently requiring assistance and safety.
“The ongoing conflict is inflicting immeasurable misery. Continuing it puts us at risk of dangerous escalation,” he cautioned. “We must prioritize dialogue, diplomacy, and a fair resolution for lasting peace.”
The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, speaks to the Security Council.
Russia is fully committed to upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter.
Edi Rama, the Prime Minister of Albania, presided over the meeting as the country currently holds the rotating Council presidency for this month.
In the beginning, the Ambassador of Russia to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzya, raised concerns about the order in which President Zelenskyy was given the opportunity to speak before representatives from Council member countries. He also questioned the presence of Bujar Osmani, the Foreign Minister of North Macedonia and current chair of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addressed the Council, reaffirming his country’s stance on upholding and implementing all aspects of the UN Charter without discrimination.
“He stated that this encompasses the concept of State equality, non-interference in their internal matters, honoring territorial sovereignty and integrity, and the entitlement of peoples to self-determination,” he communicated with the assistance of a translator.
Source: news.un.org
