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Polish envoy urges UN action amid Russian threat to Ukraine

24.02.2022 00:30
The international community needs to act before a deepening European security crisis provoked by Russia's neo-imperialist policies and aggression against Ukraine spins out of control, Poland's envoy to the United Nations has warned.
Krzysztof Szczerski addresses the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.
Krzysztof Szczerski addresses the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.Photo: EPA/JASON SZENES

Addressing the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, Krzysztof Szczerski said that "there’s no return ... to the world of imperialism, colonialism, and the superiority of one country over another."

"And yet, today, sadly enough, we are eyewitness to such actions against Ukraine, with Russia openly questioning the right to a statehood of a fellow member state," he added.

"It seems like we have been driven to the very brink of a major security crisis whose scale might be of unprecedented proportion," he warned.

"In this situation, we cannot and will not remain silent," Szczerski told the UN gathering.

He said: "Poland calls today for every member state of this respected organization to clearly reiterate their commitment to operate within the letter and spirit of the Charter of the United Nations."

He added: "We call on each member state to strongly condemn all acts of aggression and the continuing policies of fait accompli pursued by Russia."

Taking part in the UN General Assembly session focusing on the Ukraine crisisSzczerski called on the international community to "assertively deplore such manifestations of neo-imperialism and possessiveness."

"Having learned from our history, Poland stands with those who choose freedom over bondage, the rules of international law over brutal force, and peace over conflict," he said in his statement.

Szczerski declared that Poland would "continue to firmly stand by" its neighbour and the people of Ukraine.

"We support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders," he stated.

"We strongly believe in the right of every state to pursue its own foreign policy, including the freedom to choose alliances and partnerships," Szczerski also said in his speech.

The UN General Assembly gathered after Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday recognised two breakaway areas in eastern Ukraine as independent and sent Russian forces to the two separatist regions to perform what the Kremlin described as “peacekeeping functions.” 

The United States, the EU, Britain, Canada, Australia and Japan have all since imposed sanctions on Moscow, including on Russian banks and wealthy individuals. 

(gs)

Source: PAP