Friday, 8 September 2023
Today’s debate is a clear demonstration that two organs of the United Nations – the Security Council and the General Assembly – can and must work together on matters of international peace and security.
This is especially true in times of crisis.
In this context, I welcome the Security Council’s special report on the veto cast on 30 August on the situation in Mali.
I thank Security Council members for meeting the expectations of all Member States in submitting this special report in a timely manner.
Excellencies,
The situation in Mali remains volatile.
The rise in insecurity, coupled with political and humanitarian crises, mean that implementation of the 2015 peace agreement – which brought hope to so many – is now under threat.
This vital accord – forged during intense negotiations – remains the only framework for achieving peace and stability in Mali.
It must be supported.
The people of Mali are suffering amid massive displacement and catastrophic need – desperate for food, shelter, and long-term relief that only peace can provide.
I urge Member States to keep their needs foremost in mind.
This situation demands that the international community pursue unity and consensus.
The Security Council bears the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.
I urge its members to recommit to dialogue and negotiations – to continue to work towards these goals, towards peace and reconciliation in Mali.
Here in the General Assembly, the veto initiative offers the opportunity to be solutions-oriented in this time of crisis.
I encourage Member States to consider how we can constructively advance the discussion towards peace and security.
How can the General Assembly support the Security Council in upholding its Charter responsibilities?
What proposals can we offer for overcoming the deadlock?
I welcome your concrete suggestions and ideas to that end.
For my part, I will continue the practice of sending a short summary of the plenary debate to the President of the Security Council.
Let us remember that people around the world do not view UN bodies as separate.
They rely on us to act as one.
The veto initiative has opened the door for a new form of collaboration and accountability between our two organs.
Let us use it to seek unity and achieve consensus.
I pledge to work in the spirit of collaboration and transparency, in convening such debates whenever a veto is cast in the Security Council.
I thank you.