Iran Proposes Establishment of Cross-Regional Group to End Ukraine War

Addressing the UN General Assembly on Thursday, Saeed Iravani read a statement entitled “Principles underlying a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine”.

In his comments, the Iranian ambassador reiterated Tehran’s readiness to contribute to the efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

What follows is the full text of his speech:

“Mr. President,

One year after the start of the Ukraine crisis, the conflict still shows no signs of ending, and the international community continues to grapple with a range of challenges, including devastating humanitarian consequences for civilians and serious implications for the global economy.

Given these complex and difficult circumstances, it is essential that we remain fully committed to achieving a peaceful resolution and lasting peace in Ukraine. This must be done in accordance with the principles outlined in the Charter of the United Nations.

Mr. President,

The Islamic Republic of Iran's position on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has not changed. We are steadfast in our commitment to upholding the principles and purposes enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, including the principles of sovereign equality and territorial integrity of States.

We urge all parties to fully comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, including taking constant precautions to protect civilians and critical infrastructure and facilitating safe and unfettered access to humanitarian aid for those in need.

Mr. President,

We acknowledge that this conflict is detrimental to both parties, as neither can gain any long-term advantages. To achieve a sustained solution, it is crucial for all involved parties to abandon their military ambitions and prioritize finding a peaceful, diplomatic resolution.

By prioritizing dialogue, and diplomacy, and addressing the underlying causes of the conflict, we can take crucial steps toward achieving a solution that not only mitigates the devastating humanitarian impact but also restores regional stability and security.

Against this backdrop of the increasing need to end the conflict, my delegation supports the idea of leveraging the Secretary General's capacity, as mandated by the UN Charter, to establish a cross-regional group of independent, competent, impartial countries. The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to contribute to this process, which could be critical in facilitating constructive dialogue and assisting in the identification of solutions to the current impasse in the Ukraine conflict.

As a first step, we call for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, coupled with the provision of humanitarian aid to those in need, which should take precedence over all else.

Mr. President,

On the anniversary of this tragic conflict, we had hoped that the draft resolution before us, would present practical and achievable means to bring an end to the conflict, consistent with the UN's mission.

Unfortunately, the proposed text falls short of comprehensively and impartially addressing all aspects of the issue and fails to acknowledge the conditions and provocative actions that have contributed to the crisis.

Moreover, the policies and actions declared by certain sponsors of this resolution raise doubts about their political will to resolve the dispute peacefully. These policies and actions on the ground have only aggravated the situation, rather than promoting a peaceful and lasting solution.

Instead of bringing the Member States together, the resolution may further polarize them, potentially worsening the conflict in Ukraine.

We believe that any resolution to this issue must be based on a thorough and unbiased assessment of the situation, and the underlying causes of the conflict and must consider all relevant factors and perspectives. It is also critical that all parties involved demonstrate a genuine commitment to reaching a peaceful resolution and take concrete steps in that direction.

In light of these concerns, our delegation has decided to abstain from voting on this resolution. Nonetheless, we remain committed to working towards a peaceful and sustainable resolution of the conflict, and we stand ready to engage in constructive dialogue and cooperation with all parties to achieve this important goal.

I would like to address the references made to my country by the representative of the Israeli regime during the General Debate, yesterday.

Indeed, Iran phobic campaigns and widespread systematic dissemination of disinformation and baseless allegations against Iran have always been one of the main elements of statements by the Israeli regime in this august body.

The Israeli regime cannot conceal its brutalities in Palestine or distract attention away from its long-standing malign activities and demoniac policies in other countries.

The Israeli regime is notorious for its atrocities and apartheid policies against the people of Palestine and the region. By targeting and killing innocent People, including women and children, in occupied Palestine, the Israeli regime continues to commit flagrant and systematic violations of human rights and all norms of international humanitarian law, especially the core crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes of aggression.

In this regard, we strongly condemn the Israeli regime's recent terrorist attack early on Sunday, 19 February against a civilian residential building in the densely populated district of central Damascus, which constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and endangering regional and international peace and security. The international community must strongly condemn such attacks and compel the Israeli regime to end all acts of aggression against Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity immediately.

Possessing all types of weapons of mass destruction, as well as the most sophisticated conventional weapons, the Israeli regime continues to endanger peace and security in the region and beyond, and at the same time brazenly defies constant strong international calls to join international legally binding instruments banning weapons of mass destruction. Nevertheless, it attempts to portray Iran’s conventional weapon capabilities or its exclusively peaceful nuclear program, as a challenge to regional stability While we reiterate our commitment to ongoing bilateral cooperation with Ukraine and the Russian Federation, my government categorically rejects unsubstantiated claims that Iran has transferred unmanned aerial vehicles for use in Ukraine's conflict. Such claims are nothing more than a propaganda campaign used by certain states to advance their political agenda.

Iran is willing to engage in constructive bilateral technical and expert exchanges with Ukrainian experts in order to clarify the unsubstantiated allegations leveled against it.

I thank you Mr. President.”