Pellegrini Calls for Peace in Ukraine and Streamlining of UN in Speech at UNGA

New York, 25 September (TASR) - In a speech that he delivered during the general debate at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday (24 September), President Peter Pellegrini called for an early peace in Ukraine and for UN reform, while expressing his support for countries whose airspace has been breached in the past few days, TASR has reported. "Fifty-one countries, including Slovakia, signed the UN Charter 80 years ago. I ask you now, esteemed leaders, how many of you would have the courage to sign this Charter today? How many would really abide by its rules and commitments? Would we even be able to write this Charter in the era of a post-fact society? And what is even worse, the Charter is being openly questioned. The rule of the powerful and the use of military force are returning to politics. International law is disintegrating – piece by piece, law by law," stated Pellegrini. "The UN Security Council, which we have entrusted with the greatest powers and special responsibility for maintaining peace, cannot pretend to be successful. It is failing. The war in Ukraine reminds us every day how fragile peace is when the UN Charter isn't respected and international law is ignored. Slovakia, as a neighbour [of Ukraine], can see the enormous cost of this war. Unfortunately, despite all efforts at a peaceful settlement, Ukraine is having to defend itself against Russia, even though the foundations for diplomatic negotiations were laid at the US-Russia summit in Alaska," stressed the Slovak head of state. "My country is calling for an early peace. We're calling for commitment and concrete steps in line with the results of the Alaska summit. We're ready to continue to contribute to this and support guarantees that will ensure a future peace that will withstand the test of time," he said. The president also commented on the violation of Polish airspace, but also mentioned violations in Estonia and Romania. "I want to express my strong support and solidarity with the allies," he emphasised. Pellegrini also stressed Israel's right to defend itself in the war in the Gaza Strip, which was launched by an attack by the Palestinian militant movement Hamas in October 2023. He called for the release of hostages, the provision of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip, and pointed to support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. At the end of his speech, the president highlighted the irreplaceable importance of the UN and the need to reform the organisation and streamline its efficiency. "Slovakia is ready to contribute its part - as a candidate to become a non-permanent Security Council member," Pellegrini stated, adding that Slovakia will always support international cooperation and a world "based on rules with a strong UN at its centre". ko/df