Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev Chargé d’affaires a.i. and Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations at the Security Council open debate on the theme “Peacebuilding and sustaining peace: the New Agenda for Peace – addressing global, regional and national aspects of conflict prevention”
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Azərbaycan Respublikasının |
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Permanent Mission |
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633 Third Avenue, Suite 3210, New York, N.Y. 10017 |
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Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev Chargé d’affaires a.i. and Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations at the Security Council open debate on the theme “Peacebuilding and sustaining peace: the New Agenda for Peace – addressing global, regional and national aspects of conflict prevention”
21 August 2024
Mr. President,
At the outset, I would like to thank the delegation of Sierra Leone for having convened this important and timely open debate. Mr. President, effectively addressing the threats to peace and security considered in the Secretary-General’s policy brief on A New Agenda for Peace necessitates strengthened multilateralism, through which all States, in particular developing countries, can participate equally in global decision-making. Respect for the basic principles, such as the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States and non-interference in domestic affairs, is crucial for preventing conflicts, restoring and maintaining peace and promoting sustainable economic and social development. This imperative acquires particular importance in our part of the world. The liberation by Azerbaijan of its territories from the 30-year Armenian occupation, the end of the conflict and the restoration of my country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity created conditions conducive to building a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. Ongoing diplomatic efforts inspire hope for sustainable and lasting peace based on the fundamental norms of inter-State relations. At the same time, adherence to these norms must be ensured not by mere words and declarations, but by practical steps in good faith, including, in the first place, a legally grounded action at the national level in Armenia to root out the territorial claims enshrined in its constitution and laws that have underpinned the aggression against Azerbaijan in the past and are the main obstacle to normalizing relations today. Progress in advancing the peace agenda also requires preventing the attempts to draw new dividing lines in the South Caucasus, militarize the region and turn it into a hotbed of geopolitical rivalry and confrontation. It is also important to address the harm caused by hate and lies, as well as to end impunity for the most serious crimes. Stronger solidarity is essential with countries that are overcoming the severe consequences of conflict, rebuilding devastated cities, rehabilitating the destroyed environment and biodiversity and helping displaced people return to their homes in safety and dignity. Of a particular note in this regard, the scale and gravity of the landmine threat in Azerbaijan necessitate urgent, continued and adequate international support to our demining efforts. Five more people have become mine victims in my country this month alone, bringing the number of casualties from landmines and other explosive remnants of war in the post-conflict period to 377 in less than four years, of whom 69 were killed and 308 suffered horrific injuries. More than half of them are civilians. In total, since the early 1990s, the number of mine victims in Azerbaijan has reached 3,456, including 358 children and 38 women. Mr. President, in conclusion, I would like to reiterate Azerbaijan’s strong commitment and determination to continue its consistent and result-oriented efforts towards promoting conflict prevention, justice and accountability. Thank you. |
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