"Russia supports Brazil and India becoming permanent members of the Security Council," "NATO threatens countries in Europe and Asia" ... Russian Foreign Minister's speech at the UN General Assembly sparks heated discussion

According to TASS, on September 27 local time, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov stated during his speech at the high-level week of the United Nations General Assembly that Russia supports India and Brazil becoming permanent members of the UN Security Council. He said that the power structure in the world today is vastly different from when the UN was established 80 years ago, and now it is the time for the majority of countries around the globe to fight for their voice.

Lavrov strongly criticized NATO, which not only threatens Russia and China but also poses a danger to other Eurasian countries. He also warned that if anyone attempts to shoot down aircraft in Russian airspace, they will pay the price.

Lavrov stated that last December, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution on "eliminating all forms of colonialism" and designated December 14 as the International Day for the Elimination of Colonialism. This resolution reflects the profound impact of the decolonization process and other major changes on the global political landscape, and also shows that the majority of countries in the world are actively asserting their rights today.

He further pointed out that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the BRICS countries are playing a unique role, playing an important role in coordinating the interests of countries in the Global South. However, "these new realities have not yet been adequately reflected in the current UN system, and the existing mechanisms are far behind the development of the global situation." Therefore, Lavrov emphasized the importance of reforming the Security Council, and expressed Russia's position that reform should be advanced by increasing the representation of countries from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. At the same time, he clearly stated his support for India and Brazil becoming permanent members.

On the issue of the Israel-Palestine conflict, Lavrov maintained a balanced stance. On one hand, he firmly condemned Hamas' attack on Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023; on the other hand, he also opposed the massacre of Palestinian civilians in Gaza by Israel, criticizing the bombing and blockade that caused the death of Palestinian children, the destruction of hospitals and schools, and the homelessness of hundreds of thousands of people. He further emphasized that given the suffering endured by local civilians, there is no reason for Israel to annex the West Bank.

Regarding the Ukraine situation, according to Reuters, Lavrov stated that only "politically blind people" would expect Ukraine and Russia to return to the borders before the 2022 conflict. Lavrov believes that trying to restore the old European Atlantic security system after the Ukraine conflict is a futile effort. He stated that the alternative is to establish an "equal and indivisible" security architecture that covers all Eurasian countries, rather than being limited to NATO members and their allies.

He also mentioned German Chancellor Merkel, stating that her remarks have a "militaristic tendency," and warned that Russia will remain vigilant against the statements of EU and NATO politicians about the imminent third world war, considering it as "a possible scenario."

On September 27 local time, some unidentified drones were found in Schleswig-Holstein, northern Germany. The German authorities suspect these drones may be involved in espionage or sabotage activities. German Interior Minister Dobrindt stated that the drones pose a "high threat," and Germany will take self-defense measures.

In response to accusations from NATO and the EU, Lavrov reiterated that Russia has never planned to attack NATO or EU countries, nor has it used drones or missiles to attack them, and has no such plans in the future. However, he warned that any aggressive act against Russia will be met with a decisive response, and if someone attempts to shoot down aircraft in Russian airspace, they will pay the price.

However, US President Trump previously stated that he supports shooting down Russian aircraft that infringe upon NATO airspace, while mocking Russia's military performance in Ukraine and calling it a "paper tiger."

Additionally, Lavrov further pointed out that NATO not only threatens Russia and China, but also poses a danger to other Eurasian countries. He stated that NATO finds Europe too crowded and thus is penetrating into the Asia-Pacific region, posing a threat to countries in that region. The leadership is starting a new phase of expansion under the pretext of "the inseparability of security in the Europe-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions," attempting to include the entire Eurasian continent in a military encirclement.

Lavrov pointed out that the current international security situation is deteriorating, mainly due to the Western desire to maintain hegemony through military power. Therefore, he proposed establishing an equal and indivisible security system across Eurasia for all countries and organizations, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), ASEAN, the Eurasian Economic Union, the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

In May this year, Lavrov accused NATO of attempting to turn individual countries in Southeast Asia into part of "a small group in the region that makes reckless moves," and to undermine ASEAN unity. He emphasized that Russia is ready to counter this attempt and defend the regional security framework. Historical experience shows that "when NATO arrives, disasters follow."

Although critical of NATO and the EU, Lavrov stated that Russia still hopes to have an open dialogue with the US during Trump's term and revealed that the US and Russia will hold the third round of talks in the coming months to improve the operation of both embassies.

Lavrov concluded by emphasizing that Russia is willing to negotiate on the root causes of the Ukraine conflict, but on the condition of ensuring Russian security and core interests, as well as restoring the rights of Russians and Russian speakers. Based on this, he stated that he is willing to discuss issues related to Ukraine's security guarantees.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1844521118196744/

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