UN General Assembly plenary meeting agenda item 62 ‘use of the veto’
Statement delivered by H.E. Mr Rein Tammsaar
1 October 2026, New York
President,
Estonia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union.
Estonia has consistently stressed the importance of accountability, transparency and responsibility in the use of the veto. We have also stressed that the veto must not paralyze the Security Council or prevent timely and decisive action.
Therefore, Estonia deeply regrets that on 17 September Russia and China vetoed a draft resolution to extend the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). Panel´s vital role was to assist the Committee by gathering, examining and analyzing information regarding the implementation of the relevant measures, particularly incidents of non-compliance.
Resolution 2231, adopted unanimously in 2015, contained the snapback mechanism. Estonia is of the position that the process set out in resolution 2231 was legitimately completed in 2025 and that the previous Security Council resolutions were reinstated.
Although Russia, China and Iran contest that position, this disagreement does not make independent monitoring less necessary. Flexing muscles and blocking the Panel’s renewal does not resolve the dispute or advance diplomacy. In defense of their veto right we´ve been repeatedly told that major countries shoulder special responsibilities for safeguarding international peace and security and that the Security Council’s responsibility is to help create conditions for political and diplomatic efforts.
Veto by China and Russia is in sharp contradiction with these statements. This veto directly undermines UN SC resolution 2231, and efforts in ensuring that Iran does not acquire nor develop nuclear weapons.
During the HLW, in his address at the general debate, the President of Iran expressed readiness for dialogue, diplomacy and negotiations. We take note of that message. But those words mean nothing if not matched by verified deeds. We call on Iran to comply fully with its safeguards obligations and provide the IAEA with the information and access it requires for verification.
One should also mention Iran’s substantial long term military support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Since 2022, Iran has transferred ballistic missiles, UAVs and related technology to Russia, knowing very well that Iranian weapons are going to be used against Ukraine, including in barbaric attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. Against that background, Russia’s veto of the renewal of an independent expert mechanism concerning Security Council measures on Iran is even more cynical and troubling.
We encourage all Member States with influence over Moscow, notably China to help advance comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on the principles of the UN Charter. Providing Kremlin, directly or indirectly, with the means to continue its aggression should stop immediately.
President,
Across this year’s General Debate, numerous Member States across the world called for the veto to be abolished, limited or exercised with extreme restraint, while others criticized its impact on the Council’s ability to act. These diverse voices reflect a shared concern over use and abuse of the veto right by the permanent members of the Security Council.
We call on all Member States to fully implement and adhere to all provisions of the Charter. We call for all necessary steps to be taken to ensure the full, consistent, and effective implementation of Article 27(3). We continue to support the ACT Code of Conduct and the France-Mexico Political Declaration on the suspension of veto powers in cases of mass atrocities, which reinforce the Security Council’s responsibility and credibility in responding to the gravest threats to international peace and security.
I thank you, President.