Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has pledged support for India and Brazil’s permanent UNSC bids, emphasizing the need for increased representation of the Global South. His speech critiqued Western sanctions and reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to a reformed global order. Notably, Lavrov dismissed Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy’s peace proposal as impractical, urging a focus on the factual roots of the conflict.
At the 79th United Nations General Assembly, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated his country’s support for India and Brazil’s aspirations for permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). In his speech, he emphasized that a reformed and more equitable global order necessitates enhanced representation of the Global South within the UNSC. Lavrov stated, “We support our position in favour of the candidacies of Brazil and India, while at the same time taking a positive decision on the well-known initiatives of the African Union. However, of course, we cannot even talk about any additional seats for Western countries, who are already excessively over-represented within the Security Council.” Highlighting India’s long-standing goal to secure a permanent seat in the UNSC, Lavrov pointed out that this move aligns with the interests of developing nations. His advocacy comes amid increasing international support for India’s bid, recently echoed by Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. Lavrov further criticized Western nations for undermining globalization and imposing sanctions on numerous countries, asserting that the dollar is wielded as a weapon against other nations. Furthermore, he dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s peace proposals as “hopeless,” calling for a genuine understanding of the underlying issues at play in the Ukrainian conflict.
In recent years, India and Brazil have been advocating for permanent representation in the United Nations Security Council, reflecting the aspirations of the Global South and the desire for a more equitable distribution of power within the world’s primary decision-making body for international peace and security. The Russian support for these nations’ bids is rooted in a broader agenda for reforming global governance structures to reflect contemporary geopolitical realities, which Lavrov underscored during his address.
In conclusion, the endorsement of India and Brazil by Russia for permanent seats on the UNSC underscores a significant push towards a more representative global governance framework. Lavrov’s remarks highlight the ongoing tensions with the West, particularly regarding issues of globalization and the use of economic sanctions. As the world grapples with various conflicts, including the situation in Ukraine, the need for collaborative and inclusive dialogue becomes more critical.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
