Lao Ambassador Anouparb Vongnorkeo says unilateral coercive measures contradict the principles of the UN Charter and international law.

UNSC’s open debate: Laos calls for multilateralism to address global challenges

Laos has called for member states of the United Nations to promote multilateralism in addressing current global challenges, which range from economic to environmental difficulties and armed conflicts, through peaceful means.
Addressing the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)’s Open Debate in New York on April 24, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Laos to the UN, Anouparb Vongnorkeo, stressed the need for joint promotion of multilateralism in addressing these problems.
The debate was titled “The Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Effective Multilateralism through the Defence of the Principles of the Charter of the United Nations”.
Ambassador Anouparb said the international community is confronted with multifaceted challenges, including armed conflict, and economic, financial and environmental issues.
But, multilateralism, which has always been at the core of international cooperation, has been undermined, he said, whereas unilateralism is on the rise.
“We shall gather here to find the most appropriate solutions and take urgent actions in addressing the problems facing us all today.
This cannot be done without firmly upholding the principles of the UN Charter and preserving multilateralism,” the Lao diplomat said in his statement, which was posted on the facebook page of the Permanent Mission of Laos to the UN.
“Our collective wisdom and political will to find the most pragmatic approach in tackling the increasing number of crises imperiling us today must be above all unilateral and political interests.”
In doing so, all member states must bolster their solidarity, address the differences and avoid confrontation and division. In this context, the United Nations, especially the UNSC, must effectively fulfill its mandate in maintaining international peace and security, he added.
The ambassador said it is the shared aspiration that the UNSC be transformed in order to respond to the current global security threats and needs.
“The international community must find peaceful and long-lasting resolutions to the ongoing conflicts and disputes,” he told the debate session.

The United Nations Security Council’s Open Debate in New York.

“We believe that unilateral coercive measures contradict the principles of the UN Charter and international law. They continue to impede the rights and prevent the full economic and social development of the innocent peoples subjected to them.”
To ensure lasting peace and prosperity, opportunities must be created for peaceful resolutions and an environment conducive to diplomatic negotiations.
Laos, as an active and responsible member of Asean, has always attached great importance to the promotion of regional peace and stability, Ambassador Anouparb said.
Asean members, through the Treaty of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone, have firmly upheld the importance of the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, which lays a solid foundation for maintaining regional peace and security.
In the same vein, Asean’s role in addressing regional security challenges, including the situation in Myanmar, by peaceful means, remains essential, the Lao diplomat said.“We must also do our utmost to ensure the continuation of humanitarian assistance to people in need as well as to advance full and effective implementation of the Five-Point Consensus agreed by Asean leaders,” he added.
“I would like to reaffirm the Lao PDR’s unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of the UN Charter and stand ready to continue working closely with all member states in maintaining international peace and security.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attended Monday’s meeting and called for respect for international law, adherence to global commitments, and the adoption of appropriate frameworks of multilateral governance, China Daily reported.
“The multilateral system is under greater strain than at any time since the creation of the United Nations,” Guterres was quoted as saying. “Tensions between major powers are at an historic high. So are the risks of conflict, through misadventure or miscalculation.”
Countries must recommit to their obligations under the UN Charter, put human rights and dignity first, and prioritise the prevention of conflict and crises, Guterres said.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update April 26, 2023)