Statement by Ambassador Pildegovičs at the General Debate of the First Committee of the 77th UN General Assembly
New York, 6 October 2022
Mr. Chair,
Please, allow me to congratulate you on your election as Chair of the First Committee and assure you of the full cooperation of the Latvian delegation. Latvia fully subscribes to the statement delivered by the European Union and would like to make a few remarks in a national capacity.
Mr. Chair,
We join the international community in condemning Russia’s unjustified and brutal war of aggression against the sovereign state of Ukraine. This crime of aggression is a blatant violation of international law and it severely undermines global security and stability.
Russia has chosen a path of violence and complete disrespect for its international obligations and has demonstrated outright contempt towards the GA Resolutions on its aggression against Ukraine. Recently Russia has shown its intention to escalate further. Latvia deplores Russia’s announcement of its illegitimate annexation of the occupied territories of Ukraine. This is a gross violation of international law, the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final act, Paris Charter and the guarantees agreed to in the Budapest Memorandum. We also condemn Belarus for its continued support of the Russian invasion. Latvia reiterates its full support to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
Mr Chair,
Latvia is convinced that effective rules and norms are based on verifiable arms control and disarmament, which are central prerequisites for ensuring global security. Existing obligations and instruments cannot be blamed for creating deadlock to global security. Instead, obstruction displayed by certain actors is the main reason.
Russia has failed in its obligations as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and as a nuclear power. We condemn Russia’s irresponsible behaviour, by threatening nuclear safety and security in Ukraine, in particular through the ongoing occupation of the Zaporyzhzhya nuclear power plant. Furthermore, we express our concerns regarding Russia’s intention to transfer nuclear capable ballistic missile systems to Belarus and to make Belarus’ fighter planes capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
The ultimate objective to ensure that future generations can prosper in a world without nuclear weapons has been seriously challenged by dangerous and worrisome rhetoric. We call on Russia to withdraw from the Zaporyzhzhya Nuclear Power Plant and to support the establishment of a nuclear safety and security protection zone at the facility.
It is important to acknowledge, that the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) remains the cornerstone of the global non-proliferation and disarmament architecture. We regret that the reached compromise on the final outcome document of the 10th NPT Review Conference was broken by Russia, it being the only State to object consensus.
Targeted disinformation spread by Russia, by falsely accusing Ukraine of using and preparing to use chemical or biological substances in Ukraine must be rejected by the international community and dispelled accordingly. We expect strong recommitment to the BTWC and the CWC at the upcoming Review Conferences.
Mr. Chair,
The global community must continue its efforts to prevent several ongoing proliferation challenges from transforming into nuclear crises. Latvia emphasizes the essential and independent role of the IAEA in verifying Iran’s compliance with its safeguards obligations. The Agency has to be allowed to conduct monitoring without restriction. We urge Iran to come to an agreement and to return to full implementation of the JCPOA and the Additional Protocol of the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement.
The DPRK’s nuclear weapons programme, as well as its missile capabilities pose an unacceptable violation of international law. We strongly condemn the launch of a ballistic missile by the DPRK over Japan on 4 October. Irresponsible behaviour of the DPRK threatens peace and security both on the Korean Peninsula and the wider region. The DPRK needs to immediately engage in complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization.
To add, the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and negotiations on the Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty are two long-standing necessities. The entry into force of the CTBT is an essential tool for advancing nuclear disarmament. Thus, we urge remaining states to join the overwhelming consensus against nuclear testing.
Mr Chair,
Latvia underlines the importance of an open, free, stable and secure cyber space, where fundamental freedoms and international law are fully respected and upheld. The increase of malicious cyber activities is worrying and requires additional action. We express our support to the forthcoming resolution to establish a Programme of Action to Advance Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace (Cyber PoA) in complementarity with the OEWG.
Latvia supports efforts for tackling security challenges emerging from new technologies, including those related to lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS) within the framework of the CCW. Equally, Latvia will continue advocating for the promotion of responsible behaviour in space.
Latvia stresses the importance of supporting and strengthening conventional arms control instruments as well as the multilateral export control regimes. We continue to actively engage within the Arms Trade Treaty, the Nuclear Suppliers Group, and the Wassenaar Agreement. In order to facilitate focused exchange of views on challenges and opportunities in the field of export control during the recent NPT Review Conference, Latvia organized a thematic side event on export control in Africa in the context of UNSCR 1540 commitments.
Latvia also advocates for the full implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW). Latvia undertook the role as vice-president of the Eighth Biennial Meeting of States on the PoA implementation, which took place from 27 June to 1 July 2022, contributing to successful outcome of the meeting.
Last but not least, our support for the Women, Peace and Security Agenda remains steadfast, in particular, in the context of preventing and eradicating gender-based violence, as well as strengthening resilience of women in conflict areas. Strengthening societal resilience is also among Latvia’s priorities in the Peacebuilding Commission. We firmly believe in the close link between global security and the equal participation of women.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.