Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has expressed support for India and Brazil’s bids for permanent membership in the UN Security Council, asserting that a fairer global order requires greater representation from the Global South. He criticized Western nations for imposing sanctions and skewing the principles of globalization. Lavrov also dismissed Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s peace proposal as unrealistic, calling for a focus on addressing the core issues of conflict.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has reaffirmed Russia’s endorsement of India and Brazil’s aspirations for permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Addressing the 79th United Nations General Assembly, Mr. Lavrov underscored that achieving a more equitable global order necessitates enhanced representation of the Global South in the UNSC. He emphasized, “A fairer world order undoubtedly requires the expansion of the representation of the Global South in the UN Security Council.” Lavrov articulated that while supporting the candidacies of Brazil and India, Russia also advocates for initiatives proposed by the African Union. He notably expressed opposition to further seats in the UNSC for Western nations, citing their current over-representation. In a broader critique of Western actions, Mr. Lavrov condemned what he perceived to be the erosion of global values due to Western sanctions against many nations and the use of the U.S. dollar as a geopolitical weapon. He remarked, “The countries of the West have unleashed a veritable sanctions war against a good half, if not the majority of the States in the world, and the dollar which was advertised to us as the heritage and good of all humanity has been worsely transformed as a weapon.” Furthermore, he referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s peace initiative as “hopeless,” encouraging Russia’s partners to focus on addressing the fundamental causes of ongoing conflicts rather than mediating flawed proposals. Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay of Bhutan also previously voiced his support for India’s bid for a permanent UNSC seat, highlighting the growing international backing for India’s position within the developing world. Lavrov’s statements reflect Russia’s strategy to reinforce alliances within the Global South while countering perceived Western hegemony at global forums.
The call for reforming the United Nations Security Council has been a long-standing demand from nations representing the Global South, primarily India and Brazil. These countries argue that their inclusion as permanent members is essential to reflect the current geopolitical landscape, where emerging economies and developing nations play critical roles. The United Nations Security Council, traditionally dominated by Western powers, comprises five permanent members who hold veto power. The rationale for expansion is to incorporate the perspectives of countries like India and Brazil, which have significant populations and influence but lack representation in this crucial international forum. The current dynamics of international relations also underscore the need for a balanced representation that transcends Western interests, particularly in the context of global governance and security challenges.
In summary, Russia’s strong endorsement of India and Brazil’s bids for permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council highlights a significant shift toward recognizing the importance of the Global South in international governance. Lavrov’s remarks not only emphasize the necessity of expanding representation but also criticize the actions of Western nations that undermine global cooperative frameworks. The ongoing discourse around UNSC reform is crucial for addressing the inequities of the current global order, affirming the voices of developing countries, and ensuring a balanced approach to international peace and security.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
