Parliament speaker Abdulla Shahid stressed that the military offensive launched by Russia five days ago was a violation of Ukraine’s integrity and sovereignty.
Facing the principles of the United Nations
Mr. Shahid quoted unchartedThe Organization’s founding document, which outlines a world where states resolve disputes by peaceful means, without the threat or use of force.
“The ongoing military offensive does not fit this. It is an affront to the founders of this Foundation and everything it stands for,” he speak.
“Violence must stop. Humanitarian law and international humanitarian law must be respected. And diplomacy and dialogue must prevail.”
The countries observed a minute of silence during the rare emergency special session, following the meeting of Security Council on Sunday.
Council members voted in favor of convening the General Assembly after Russia vetoed a resolution on Friday that could upset the Ukraine attack.
The General Assembly has held only 10 emergency sessions since 1950, in line with the adoption of resolution 377A(V), widely known as ‘Unity for Peace’.
Resolution gives the Council the power to deal with issues of international peace and security when the Security Council is unable to act by consensus among the five permanent members – China, France, Great Britain, and the United States. and Russia, who have veto power.
Potential ‘Ray of Hope’
“When we convened here at the General Assembly, negotiators from both sides were holding talks in Belarus,” Mr. Shahid told the ambassadors.
“This gives a glimmer of hope. We pray that these talks will calm tempers and pave the way for peace. ”
Settlement of membership in the United Nations, Secretary General António Guterres stated that the war in Ukraine must stop.
The bombardment of cities like the capital Kyiv has forced people to seek shelter, including in metro stations. About half a million Ukrainians have also crossed the country’s borders.
‘Enough is enough’
Mr. Guterres said that although Russia’s attacks are believed to have mainly targeted Ukrainian military facilities, “we have reliable accounts of residential buildings, civilian infrastructure”. Important and other non-military targets suffered heavy losses”.
Civilians, including children, were killed in the violence.
“Enough is enough,”Secretary General said.“The soldiers need to move back to their barracks. Leaders need to move towards peace. Civilians must be protected. International humanitarian law and human rights must be respected”.
The world is facing a tragedy for Ukraine, he added, but also a major regional crisis with potentially disastrous effects on everyone.
“Yesterday, Russia’s nuclear forces were put on high alert. This is a frightening development. The mere idea of a nuclear conflict is simply unthinkable. No What can justify the use of nuclear weapons?he say.
Guterres emphasized the UN’s commitment to Ukraine, reminding that last week he had allocated $20 million from the UN humanitarian fund to support emergency operations, in addition to appointing a Crisis Coordinator for country.
“At the same time, we are bringing together partners, domestic and foreign – and abundant domestic personnel,” he continued.
Humanitarian appeal
The UN will also issue two coordinated urgent calls for Ukraine and the region on Tuesday.
One side will address escalating humanitarian needs in the country, including increased internal displacement, while the other will respond to the needs of those who have fled elsewhere.
International peace at stake: Ukraine
Ukraine’s ambassador, Sergiy Kyslytsya, commented that for the first time since the establishment of the UN, an all-out war is breaking out in central Europe.
UN photo / Evan Schneider
Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya of Ukraine speaks at the United Nations General Assembly’s Special Session on the State of Emergency on Ukraine.
About 352 Ukrainians, including 16 children, have been killed so far, he said, while more than 2,000 people were injured.
He said now is the time to help his country.
“If Ukraine did not exist, international peace would not exist,” Kyslytsya told the General Assembly.
“If Ukraine didn’t exist, the United Nations wouldn’t exist, don’t be delusional. If Ukraine does not exist, we cannot be surprised if democracy fails next,” he added.
UN photo / Evan Schneider
Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia of Russia speaks at the UN General Assembly Emergency Special Session on Ukraine.
Russia’s actions are ‘distorted’: UN Ambassador
Speaking through an interpreter, Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya said his country’s actions are being “distorted and hindered”, as the media and social networks disseminate what he calls what he calls “lies”.
The goal of the special military operation is to protect the people of Luhansk and Donetsk, two regions in eastern Ukraine, “who have suffered the torment and genocide of the Kyiv regime for eight years,” he said. speak.
“To that end, it is necessary to demilitarize and denuclearize Ukraine.”
Nebenzya said Russia believes the UN can play some role in resolving the Ukraine crisis by helping “bring the positions of the parties involved closer together and removing the causes of conflict.” sudden”.
Vote on the proposed solution
About 100 countries are expected to speak before the General Assembly, which is expected to vote on a draft resolution on Ukraine, scheduled for Wednesday.
Although Council resolutions are not binding, they are considered political because they express the will of the broader United Nations members.
During this time, you can find more information about the special emergency at UN meetings.
