September 13, 2024
Thank you, Madam President.
And I also thank High Representative Ms. NAKAMITSU for her comprehensive briefing.
There is no change in our position that such Security Council meetings as this, routinely requested by Russia, are nothing but a waste of time and resources of both the UN and the international community. Russia seems to want to discuss solutions to the problem. However, there is only one problem that needs to be addressed immediately－That is Russia’s violation of the UN Charter.
Our stance is clearly articulated in the resolution adopted by an overwhelming majority of the General Assembly on March 2, 2022, which I quote:
“The General Assembly deplores in the strongest terms the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine in violation of Article 2 (paragraph 4) of the Charter; And demands that the Russian Federation immediately cease its use of force against Ukraine and refrain from any further unlawful threat or use of force against any Member State.” End quote.
Russia has continuously ignored this resolution and violated numerous international laws to further its aggression. Russia has procured ballistic missiles from North Korea, which is a violation of the relevant Security Council resolutions Russia itself voted in favor of, and also reportedly from Iran. It continues its attacks on Ukraine, causing immense civilian casualties and destroying civilian infrastructure.
Russia is claiming that international support for Ukraine is a problem that needs to be solved. This is a clearly opposite argument and is entirely unacceptable. Today’s meeting is yet another attempt by Russia to divert attention from what it is actually doing in Ukraine.
Members of the Security Council and the broader UN membership should not allow themselves to be distracted by such tactics. They should also make themselves clear in stating that Russia is the one to be blamed before they talk about solution to this brutal war initiated by Russia. Moreover, all UN Member States must refrain from supporting this aggression directly or indirectly.
Madam President,
We emphasize again that rewarding an aggressor by not making it pay the price cannot be a solution. Such an approach undermines the UN Charter and could potentially lead to future aggression.
Our consistent stance that peace in Ukraine must be in accordance with the UN Charter is not mere rhetoric but a firm determination to protect the very foundation of international order based on the rule of law.
We reiterate our strong demand that Russia immediately and unconditionally withdraw from Ukraine, and reaffirm our commitment to continue supporting Ukraine.
I thank you.