Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has affirmed Russia’s support for India and Brazil’s pursuit of permanent UNSC seats, advocating for greater representation of the Global South. He criticized the West for sanctioning many nations and using the dollar as a weapon. Lavrov also dismissed Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s peace proposal as unrealistic, calling for fact-based mediation efforts.

During his address at the 79th United Nations General Assembly, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov articulated Russia’s endorsement of India and Brazil’s aspirations for permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). He underscored that the formation of a more equitable global order necessitates the fortification of representation for the Global South within the UNSC. Lavrov remarked, “A fairer world order undoubtedly requires the expansion of the representation of the Global South in the UN Security Council.” He emphasized that Russia’s support extends to the candidacies of Brazil and India and highlighted the importance of initiatives from the African Union, while firmly opposing additional seats for Western nations, stating they are already disproportionately represented in the council. Lavrov continued to criticize the West, asserting that it has compromised the fundamental principles of globalization through a series of sanctions inflicted on approximately half the world’s countries, weaponizing the dollar in the process. He specifically noted, “The dollar which was advertised to us as the heritage and good of all of humanity has been worse transformed as a weapon.” He further commented on the need for genuine global cooperation amidst the prevailing geopolitical tensions. The Russian Foreign Minister also dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s ten-point peace formula as “hopeless,” calling on Russia’s partners to consider the true causes of the ongoing conflicts, implying that more realistic mediation efforts were necessary. This assertion followed the presentation of Zelenskyy’s peace plan, aimed at addressing various aspects such as nuclear safety, food security, and the establishment of a tribunal for war crimes.

The ongoing debate over reforms within the United Nations Security Council has gained renewed traction, particularly in light of calls for increased representation of developing nations. India and Brazil have long sought permanent membership within the UNSC to better articulate and advocate for the interests of the Global South. This geopolitical context is further complicated by Russia’s strategic interests in counterbalancing Western dominance within international institutions. Lavrov’s recent statements reflect both support for his allies and a critical view of Western actions in the realm of global diplomacy and economic sanctions, as well as highlighting the dynamics of global power distribution post-Cold War.

In summary, Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at the UNGA reflect a robust endorsement of India and Brazil’s bids for permanent seats on the UNSC, emphasizing the necessity of increased representation for the Global South. His criticisms of Western policy, particularly regarding sanctions and the use of the dollar, further illustrate Russia’s strategic positioning in the ongoing geopolitical landscape. The discourse surrounding reforming the UNSC continues to be of critical relevance as nations vie for influence and representation on the global stage.

Original Source: www.business-standard.com

Related posts:

Chile’s Foreign Minister Advocates for Stronger Bilateral Ties with India Survey Reveals Bleak Prospects for India-Pakistan Relations; Bangladeshis Show Optimism Chinese Mining Companies Collaborate with Zimbabwe on Lithium Project Examining the Risks of Political Violence and Predictions of Civil Unrest in America