Status: 09/21/2022 03:59 am
Chancellor Scholz criticized Russia’s “blatant imperialism” in his speech to the UN General Assembly. At the same time, he renewed Germany’s bid for a seat on the UN Security Council.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz accused Russia of “blatant imperialism” before the United Nations and promised Ukraine further support, including arms deliveries.
“Putin will only give up his war and his imperial ambitions if he realizes that he cannot win this war,” Scholz told the UN General Assembly in New York. “Not only is he destroying Ukraine, he is also ruining his own country.”
That’s why no Russian “dictated peace” will be accepted – and no sham referendums either, emphasized Scholz. He was alluding to the votes planned by pro-Kremlin separatists in several Ukrainian regions, which were announced on Tuesday.
Scholz promises further weapon deliveries
Scholz emphasized that Ukraine must be able to repel Russia’s attack. “We are supporting Ukraine with all our might: financially, economically, humanitarianly and also with weapons.”
Shortly before the chancellor left for New York, the federal government had promised further weapons from Bundeswehr stocks, including four heavy artillery pieces of the Panzerhaubitze 2000 type.
Scholz praises the joint resolution
There is only one word for Russia’s actions, said the chancellor: “It’s sheer imperialism.” This return of imperialism is not only a disaster for Europe, but also for the global peace order. “That’s why it was so important that 141 states unequivocally condemned the Russian war of conquest here in this hall.”
In March, 141 of the 193 UN member states voted in favor of a corresponding resolution. However, the world’s two most populous countries – China and India – abstained.
In his speech, Scholz also defended the sanctions imposed by western states on Russia. This means that the promise made by each of the countries when they joined the United Nations, namely “to unite our strengths in order to safeguard international peace and security”, has been kept.
Scholz renews German bid for UN Security Council
At the same time, Scholz renewed Germany’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Germany is ready to take on greater responsibility – initially as one of the ten rotating members in 2027 and 2028, but also as a permanent member in the future. “I ask you to support our candidacy – the candidacy of a country that respects the principles of the United Nations, that offers and seeks cooperation”»
The Security Council is the most important body of the United Nations and is responsible for conflict resolution and peacekeeping. It includes 15 of the 193 UN member states. Five nuclear powers are constantly present and have the right to veto all decisions: the USA, China, Russia, Great Britain and France. Some of the other 188 member states rotate the other 10 seats every two years. Germany applies for a seat every eight years.