Government of Republic of Moldova

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova

Statement by Minister Oleg Țulea at the high-level meeting of the UN Security Council on the theme „75 Years from the End of the Second World War on European Soil”

Published on: Wed, 20/05/2020 - 15:03

STATEMENT
by H.E. Mr. Oleg Țulea
Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova
at the high-level Arria Formula meeting of the UN Security Council
on the theme “75 Years from the End of the Second World War on European Soil – Lessons Learned for Preventing Future Atrocities, Responsibility of the Security Council”
(Chisinau - New York, 8 May 2020)
 
Mr. Chair,
Excellencies,
 
Let me join the previous speakers in thanking the Estonian Presidency of the Security Council for convening this virtual high-level meeting to discuss a highly topical subject, and I certainly would like to thank the briefers for their insightful presentations.
 
Mr. Chair,
 
The Second World War was one of the greatest tragedies to have ever afflicted the people of Europe and of the entire world. It brought about a total economic collapse, as well as crimes against humanity and war crimes.
 
As we mark this 75th Anniversary, we should not forget why the United Nations was created and why the drive to put the past behind us was so strong.
 
The most important lesson that we should learn and bear in mind is that there shall be no place for the use of force and coercion in the post-war system of international relations.
 
Distinguished colleagues,
 
In discharging its functions under the UN Charter, the Security Council declared repeatedly its commitment to international law, as well as its strong opposition to impunity for serious violations of international humanitarian law, human rights law, and intention to uphold accountability.
 
Despite this often-declared strong stance and commitment of the past and present Security Council Members, these unacceptable violations continue to persist in many parts of the world.
 
Moreover, the use of force or the threat of force, brought about changes of borders, including in Europe, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of some countries, including of my own, have been continuously undermined.
 
The Security Council, particularly its Permanent Members, must do more in order to uphold, in good faith, the current system that is based on the Charter of the United Nations.
 
The Security Council resolutions should be fully implemented and the collective action should be exercised in order to support accountability for serious violations against international law, humanitarian, and human rights law.
 
Excellencies,
 
As we commemorate the victims of the Second World War, we should avoid one-sided interpretations of its history. The victims’ memory calls only for reconciliation and peace.
 
Given our common responsibility towards all victims, past and present, we should nurture multilateralism, with the UN at its core, and act united in responding to many existential challenges, including the ongoing conflicts, hybrid threats, the climate change emergency and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. The post-coronavirus world is already here. A world in which, including for Europe, there is a stringent need for a new type of multilateralism that would be real, not declarative or selective, a world which would be capable to ensure harmony between the national interest and international solidarity.
 
Finally, the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War provides us with an extraordinary opportunity to reaffirm our strong resolve to preserve international peace and security and achieve sustainable development.
 
I thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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