The latest developments in Ukraine are testing “the entire international system”, Secretary-General António Guterres said at a media stakeout on Tuesday, adding “we must pass this test”, reports news.un.org.
Mr. Guterres rushed back to UN headquarters in New York “deeply troubled by the latest developments regarding Ukraine.” He highlighted reports of increased ceasefire violations across the contact line and “the real risk of further escalation on the ground”.
And the Secretary-General drew attention to “the safety and wellbeing” of all those who have already suffered from “so much death, destruction and displacement”.
“Let me be clear: The decision of the Russian Federation to recognize the so-called ‘independence’ of certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions is a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine”, spelled out the top UN official.
He argued that such a unilateral measure not only conflicts directly with the principles of the UN Charter but is also inconsistent with the so-called Friendly Relations Declaration of the General Assembly, which the International Court of Justice has repeatedly cited as representing international law.
Mr. Guterres described Russia’s move as “a death blow” to the Security Council-endorsed Minsk Agreements, the fragile peace process regulating the conflict in eastern Ukraine. He also highlighted that “the principles of the UN Charter are not an a la carte menu.”
“They cannot be applied selectively. Member States have accepted them all and they must apply them all”, underscored the UN chief.
