United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “The Black Sea Grain Initiative has revealed the possibility of Ukraine and Russia to advance global food security with the support of Turkey and the UN.” said.
United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Guterres spoke at the Special Emergency Ukraine Session of the UN General Assembly, which was held as the Russia-Ukraine war approaches its first year.
Pointing out that the attack, which violated international law and the UN Charter, had effects beyond Ukraine, Guterres said, “As I said from the first day, Russia’s attack on Ukraine tests the foundation stones and values of our multilateral system.” he said.
Reminding that, according to the UN Charter, all members should refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of another state, Guterres said that the UN’s position is very clear and that Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, unity and integrity within its recognized borders. expressed their commitment to territorial integrity.
BLACK SEA GRAIN INITIATIVE
Guterres noted that about 40 percent of the Ukrainian people need humanitarian assistance and that basic infrastructures are being targeted.
Reminding that the UN has many different initiatives to assist and that it launched a $5.6 billion aid call for Ukraine last week, Guterres asked for “full support” from member states.
“The Black Sea Grain Initiative has demonstrated the possibility of Ukraine and Russia advancing global food security with the support of Turkey and the UN. Despite some challenges, shipments of grain and other food from Ukraine are making a difference.” made its assessment.
Stating that they are trying to remove the obstacles to the implementation of the memorandum of understanding signed between the UN and Russia to facilitate the export of Russian food and fertilizer products to the global market, Guterres underlined that these initiatives are important for the fight against global food insecurity and said, “We will continue to support such initiatives that benefit millions of people. ” said.
Guterres stated that despite the deep distrust between the parties, progress has been made in matters such as prisoner exchange and that these efforts should be expanded.
Emphasizing that increasing military activity poses a great threat, especially in the regions where nuclear facilities are located, Guterres underlined that the security of all nuclear power plants in Ukraine should be ensured.
Guterres stated that the war also triggers regional instability and global tension, making it difficult to transfer resources to important problems, and noted that implicit threats to the use of nuclear weapons are unacceptable.
Guterres, pointing out that it is time to get back from the abyss, said, “War is not the solution, war is the problem itself. The Ukrainian people are suffering greatly. Ukrainians, Russians, and everyone need peace. Although peace may seem difficult to achieve at present, lasting peace must be based on the UN Charter and international law. As long as the conflict continues, it will be difficult for us to achieve this. We have no time to lose.” warned.
DRAFT DECISION WILL BE VOTED
As the Russia-Ukraine War is in its first year, the UN will also discuss the latest security situation in the region during the week both within the framework of the General Assembly and the Security Council.
Representatives of more than 70 countries, including Turkey, will speak at the General Assembly held today. In the session that will continue tomorrow, a non-binding resolution that is expected to be supported by many countries will be put to the vote.
In the draft resolution, member states will be demanded to support a lasting, comprehensive, and just peace in Ukraine, while Russia will be called upon to withdraw all its military forces from Ukrainian territory.