Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko clarified the joint stance taken by Foreign Heads of Missions on Russia’s war in Ukraine, responding to comments made by Vanimo Green MP Belden Namah.
Tkatchenko criticized Namah’s remarks as lacking context and decency, emphasizing the complexity of foreign affairs issues.
“The member’s statement is a narrow, single-window statement.”
“The many issues and agendas on the Foreign Affairs platform are challenging and interconnected.”
“We just cannot attack foreign issues on a single-window accusation.”
“When you make a statement, especially on an issue above national level – on International relations matters or foreign nations, you just cannot attack on a bilateral level.”
“You have to understand and appreciate, for the country’s sake, why all these nations are coming together.
The Minister explained that the coalition of nations supported each other beyond national interests and discussed reforms at the United Nations, especially regarding nuclear weapons and veto powers.
“Besides the strong united call for an end to Russia’s war on Ukraine, the coalition spoke of the serious need to look at reforms at the world governing body – the United Nations, the United Nations Security Council, and veto powers among other concerns.”
“It is also important that our people know and understand the global concerns of like-minded nations when it comes to war.”
Tkatchenko highlighted concerns about Russia’s aggression despite efforts for peaceful resolutions and emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in global security matters.
Concerns about the current war on Ukraine included the recognition that Russia is a member of the Permanent 5, and had gone against every effort at the United Nations Security Council for a peaceful resolution.
The Permanent 5 are countries known to have nuclear stockpiles; including the United States, China, France, and the United Kingdom.
Minister Tkatchenko further explained that the Permanent 5’s veto powers ensure that they can decide not to abide by any decisions or resolutions, and continue the aggression as demonstrated by Russia, hence the collective call by the Foreign Heads of Missions.
Concerns raised also included the representatives’ recognition that the number of countries that have nuclear weapons may be more and that this was inconsistent with the United Nations Charter, and a threat to world peace.