Mr. President,
At the outset, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines expresses its deepest condolences
to the families of the victims who have lost their lives due to the “special military
operation” launched by the Russian Federation in the independent territory of
Ukraine.
We continue to monitor the escalation of the conflict and are deeply troubled by the
deteriorating situation. From our perspective, the “special military operation” is
neither necessary nor desirable and is an affront to the United Nations Charter.
Given the historical context of the geopolitical situation in the region and Russia’s
articulation of its legitimate security concerns and perspective on the political
situation in the Donbass region, we acknowledge the need for constructive
diplomatic efforts that thoroughly address these concerns.
The “special military operation”, however, cannot reasonably be justified. It only
endangers international peace and security and will exacerbate human suffering
across the globe.
Let us be clear, no member state of our organization will be immune from the ripple
effect of this armed conflict.
Mr. President,
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is unwaveringly committed to the purposes and
principles of the United Nations Charter, including those relating to Article 2
subsection (4), which prohibit the threat or use of force against the territorial
integrity or political independence of any state, as well as non-interference in the
internal affairs of states and the right to self-determination. Our existence as a
sovereign and independent, small nation state is owed to these international,
sacrosanct norms and non-negotiable, timeless principles.
Accordingly, we cannot stand askance while the bedrock principles of international
law are being jettisoned and call for the immediate cessation of all hostilities — we
specifically urge the strict adherence to the principles of sovereignty, political
independence, territorial integrity, non-intervention, non-interference, respect for
human rights and international humanitarian law.
Equally, we reiterate the recent calls made by the Caribbean Community
(CARICOM) and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) for the
pacific settlement of disputes and the respect of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial
integrity.
Mr President,
Historically, the Russian Federation has been a defender of the purposes and
principles of the United Nations Charter, inclusive of the sacred principle of the
peaceful settlement of disputes. This is emblematic of its membership in the “Group
of Friends in Defense of the United Nations Charter”. As a fellow defender of these
principles and member of this Group, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
unequivocally insists that the Russian Federation cease its military operations and
immediately withdraw its forces from Ukraine.
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On countless occasions, we have witnessed the insidious effects of interventionism
and external aggressions across the developing world and we know that constructive
dialogue, in adherence to international law, is the only path to peace and progress,
however difficult that path may be.
We deeply regret that the Minsk Agreements have been violated. We also make an
appeal for meaningful diplomatic initiatives and encourage the furtherance of the
work of the Normandy Format, the Trilateral Contact Group and the Organisation
for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). We urge the parties to exhaust all
diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful solution to the current conflict.
We firmly believe that the nobility of peace is far preferable than an ignoble military
adventure. History has taught us that peace is a great cause and great causes have
never been won by doubtful men or women. While we are encouraged by the recent
meeting that was held on the Belarusian border between both sides, we must put on
record that the use of nuclear weapons is inconceivable and wholly unacceptable—
we counsel against the mere suggestion by anyone. We counsel further that space
for continued dialogue must remain open.
Before I conclude, it will be remiss of me not to express my dismay for the disturbing
reports that people of African descent are being singled out to unfair treatment as
they join the masses fleeing the Ukrainian territory. In line with international
humanitarian law and its guiding principles, we call on all states to uphold their
international obligations and ensure the safety of all peoples.
Mr. President, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a stout champion of the purposes
and principles of the United Nations Charter and their primacy in our multilateral
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system. We must, and I repeat, we must give peace a real chance to succeed. We
must stop this war and return to diplomacy.
Thank you and Peace profound!