76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
UN Security Council IID meeting on Cooperation between the Security Council and the League of Arab States
Statement by Foreign Minister Eva-Maria Liimets
September 22, New York
Thank you Mr. President,
I welcome Assistant Secretary-General Khiari and I thank you for your remarks. I thank Secretary-General of the League of Arab States Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit for joining us and for your comprehensive overview on the situation in the Arab region. I also welcome the Foreign Ministers of Algeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for joining us today.
Estonia welcomes holding this meeting today, as we strongly support efforts to enhance cooperation between our two organizations, with the aim of strengthening regional and international peace and security.
We are faced with numerous regional and global challenges, which can only be overcome through joint and concerted action. Efforts undertaken in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have clearly demonstrated this. In this context we reiterate our support to the UN Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire.
Mr President – There is a need to enhance cooperation on preventing violent conflicts, including in the Middle East region, by addressing the underlying causes of conflicts, promoting the reconciliation of different groups of the society, countering terrorism and supporting democratic, legitimate and inclusive state institutions.
It is in the interest of the whole region to support Iraq in its recovery from ISIL violence and in holding inclusive, credible and participatory elections next month. The same applies to supporting Libya in its preparations for elections in December. In this context, I would like to reiterate the importance of ensuring full, equal and meaningful participation of women in the elections and the inclusion of women and youth in all aspects of political life.
There is also room for better coordinated efforts in support of the peaceful settlement of conflicts, stopping atrocities, ensuring protection of civilians and unhindered humanitarian access to areas affected by conflicts.
The role of the League of Arab States in ending violence in Libya and finding a political solution to the conflict has been essential. More international efforts are needed for ending the violent hostilities in Yemen and Syria, which continue to cause civilian casualties and the deterioration of the longstanding man-made humanitarian crisis. We must join our forces in supporting the efforts of the new UN Special Envoy in Yemen to bring about a ceasefire. In Syria, we must urge the parties to engage in a genuine dialogue under Council resolution 2254 as the only solution to end the conflict and the suffering of millions of people.
We also need to be vocal when in context of conflict, freedoms are suppressed, women and vulnerable groups are put at greater risk and accountability for human rights violations is insufficient.
Mr President – improving multilateral diplomacy and regional dialogue must remain at the core of our cooperation. A positive example of diplomacy has been the process of normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab states. Estonia supports all efforts towards a broader regional security dialogue in the Middle East and remains open to further joint initiatives between the Security Council and the League of Arab States in support of regional peace and security.
I thank you.