Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in which he highlighted the opportunity for the world to achieve “authentic democratization” in international relations by establishing a multipolar world order. Lavrov stated that this is the first such opportunity since the end of World War II.
However, Lavrov expressed his belief that the United States and its Western allies are actively trying to prevent the emergence of a multipolar world. He accused them of stirring up new conflicts in order to divide humanity and maintain their “hegemony of the global minority.”
Lavrov criticized the US and its allies for rejecting the principle of equality in international relations. He argued that they continue to look down on the rest of the world, leading to their “total intractability” in negotiations. Lavrov quoted Russian President Vladimir Putin’s description of the West as the “empire of lies.”
The Russian foreign minister also expressed concern over the unprecedented level of NATO activities since the end of the Cold War. He claimed that the US-led forces of the bloc have conducted drills simulating nuclear strikes against Russia. He also accused Washington of seeking to project its military might in the Asia-Pacific region by establishing military-political alliances with countries like Australia, South Korea, and Japan.
Lavrov warned that these actions risk creating new explosive geopolitical hotspots in addition to the existing European ones. He argued that Western politicians have become so blinded by a feeling of impunity that they have lost “the sense of self-preservation.”
Despite these challenges, Lavrov emphasized that the world has a chance to establish a truly democratic world order. He noted that the global majority, consisting of nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, is increasingly seeking independence, equality, and respect for their sovereignty in international relations.
Lavrov accused the US and its allies of seeking to stall the onset of a multipolar world order by stirring up conflicts that artificially divide humanity. He called on the international community to strive for a world where everyone agrees on how to solve issues together, based on a fair balance of interests.
The Russian foreign minister also criticized Western sanctions imposed on nations like Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria. He argued that these unilateral punitive measures violate the principle of sovereign equality of nations and interfere with their rights to development. Lavrov called for an immediate and full lifting of these sanctions.
Regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Lavrov stated that Russia is ready for talks at any time. However, he made it clear that Russia would not consider any ceasefire proposals due to past deception. He emphasized Russia’s respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty, as declared in its independence and constitution, including the non-aligned status of Ukraine and respect for Russian language and Russian-speaking minorities.
Lavrov concluded by stating that the US and its allies are de-facto engaged in a conflict with Russia, which he referred to as a hybrid war. He accused Western nations of sending arms to Ukraine and training its troops, hence effectively fighting against Russia with the hands and bodies of Ukrainians. Lavrov criticized the open declaration by Western nations that Russia should be defeated on the battlefield, asserting that Moscow is ready for such a development if it is desired by the West.
In summary, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s speech at the UNGA highlighted the opportunity for the world to establish a multipolar world order and achieve authentic democratization in international relations. However, he expressed concerns about the US and its allies, accusing them of preventing this development through their actions and policies. Lavrov called for equality, respect for sovereignty, and a fair balance of interests in international relations. He also criticized Western sanctions and addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Lastly, Lavrov accused the West of waging a de-facto conflict with Russia.
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