Russia’s FM Lavrov Highlights Key Issues at UN General Assembly

Addressing the General Debate at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called for a renewed global commitment to the founding principles of the UN Charter, while voicing concerns over global security, Western double standards, and the erosion of diplomatic norms.

Lavrov opened his remarks by recalling the end of World War II, describing it as “the most terrible war in human history,” with over 70 million casualties due to hostilities, hunger, and disease. “In 1945, the course of world history changed forever. We hold sacred the memory of brotherhood-in-arms with all Allies who then stood on the side of truth in the struggle against the forces of evil,” he said.

He emphasized that the UN Charter remains the cornerstone of international law, stating that “#UNCharterIsOurRules” and must be respected in both principle and practice. Lavrov stressed the importance of sovereign equality among nations, regardless of their size, population, or military power, calling it the foundation for a just international order.

On the Israel-Palestine conflict, Lavrov condemned the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians, but also denounced the “brutal killing of Palestinian civilians,” reiterating that “there is no justification for terrorism” or collective punishment.

Turning to language rights and the Ukraine conflict, Lavrov criticized what he described as the suppression of the Russian language in Ukraine, contrasting it with the status of Arabic in Israel and Hebrew in Arab countries. He cited Article 1 of the UN Charter, which upholds human rights and freedoms without discrimination, and accused Europe of turning a blind eye while focusing on “inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia.”

Lavrov asserted that the rights of Russians and Russian-speaking people in Ukrainian territories must be restored, stating: “On this basis, we are ready to discuss the security guarantees for Ukraine.”

He further emphasized the shared global responsibility of Russia and the United States to prevent escalation and avoid any risk of a global war.

Highlighting the emergence of multilateral institutions such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS, Lavrov noted their role in fostering cooperation among nations of the Global South and East, presenting them as alternatives to Western-led blocs.

He criticized NATO’s expansion beyond Europe, claiming that its presence in regions like the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait threatens the balance maintained by ASEAN and increases tensions across the Asia-Pacific. “NATO is already cramped in Europe,” Lavrov said, warning against what he sees as its global militarization.

Lavrov expressed deep concern about the resurgence of Nazism in Europe, the rise of militarization, and rhetoric in some Western capitals discussing World War III as a potential reality.

He concluded by calling on UN member states and the Secretariat to uphold the Charter “scrupulously,” stating:
“We call on member states and the Secretariat’s leadership to scrupulously follow all the Charter’s principles – without exception and without double standards. Then the legacy of the UN’s founding fathers will not be wasted.”