Lavrov at UNGA
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has addressed the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly in New York City.
Addressing the UN on Friday, the Russian foreign minister criticized what he called "unilateral approaches" by some countries to a variety of complex global problems, ranging from the Middle East peace process to the Iran nuclear deal, commitments to the World Trade Organization, agreements on climate change, and more.
Defending the UN and other multilateral organizations, Lavrov warned of a "desire of some Western states to retain their self-proclaimed status as world leaders and to slow down the irreversible, objective process of establishing multipolarity. These powers do not hesitate to use any methods, including political blackmail, economic pressure and brute force," he said.
Syria
Turning to the Syrian conflict, the senior Russian diplomat warned that Syrian terrorists and their patrons may attempt new provocations using chemical weapons, adding that Russia would consider such efforts this "unacceptable."
"We warn terrorists and their sponsors that new provocations involving chemical weapons are unacceptable," Lavrov declared.
Commenting on the prospects for Syrian settlement, Larvov emphasized that the rebuilding of the war-torn country's infrastructure, and the return of refugees, must become the top priorities of international efforts, including at the UN, and must be implemented without any "double standards."
Israel-Palestine Peace
Turning to the Israeli-Palestinian issue, the foreign minister cautioned against a one-sided approach to the problem demonstrated by some powers. "Despite the complexity of the situation in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Libya, we must not lose sight of the age-old Palestinian problem. A fair solution is crucial if we want the entire Middle East to recover. I want to warn against a one-sided approach and attempts to monopolize the peace process," Lavrov said.
"We will make every effort, including in the within the Middle East Quartet, the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Mutually acceptable initiatives must lay the groundwork for a peaceful and secure co-existence of the two nations, Israel and Palestine," the diplomat said.
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