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#UnitingforPeace – Foreign Minister Baerbock addresses the UN General Assembly
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock speaking at the UN General Assembly, © Florian Gaertner/photothek.de
Russia is waging a brutal war in Ukraine and is inflicting immense suffering on the Ukrainian people. Germany is working together with its international partners to ensure that the largest possible number of countries voice their opposition to this war and call for an immediate ceasefire.
The UN General Assembly has been holding an emergency special session in New York. Foreign Minister Baerbock addressed the General Assembly last night, directing an urgent appeal to the international community to stand resolutely against the Russian war of aggression. Click here to read the speech.
Speaking prior to her departure for New York, the Foreign Minister issued a clear statement:
Today in New York, the international community faces a choice: Do we close our eyes to the aggression against Ukraine, or do we face up to reality – namely that, with the attacks on Kyiv, Kherson and Kharkiv, we’ve all come under fire? Almost every country in the world has a larger, more powerful neighbour. Should it become normal again for the strong to attack the weak, and for the rest of the world to simply let it happen?
The United Nations was founded in 1945 – directly after the catastrophe of the Second World War, which claimed the lives of millions and brought untold suffering and devastation to many parts of the world. The goal and task of the United Nations is to maintain international peace and security.
The UN Security Council is the most important international body for peace and security in the world. The Council can adopt decisions which are binding under international law. It comprises 15 states, including five permanent members. The five permanent members China, the United Kingdom, France, the Russian Federation and the United States of America all have a right of veto enabling them to block Security Council decisions. Russia has used its veto to prevent a Security Council decision on its unlawful attack on Ukraine. That is why the UN General Assembly is now convening.
“We want as many countries as possible to show their true colours and condemn Putin’s war.”
The German Government has been coordinating closely with its international partners during the last few days to ensure that the international community takes an unequivocal stand.
Foreign Minister Baerbock stated:
In hundreds of conversations, we and our friends have campaigned around the world to convince as many countries as possible to show their true colours: for peace and the rule of law.
I will deliver the very same message today in New York. When it comes down to war and peace, indifference is not an option. The world will remember for a long time where we stood today.
