Thank you, Mr. Chair,
We once again condemn the continued brutal attacks by Russian forces against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. I urge the Russian representative to take this message back to Moscow, even though it has been repeated numerous times. We are appalled by the shelling of a correctional facility in Olenivka, causing the death of more than 70 Ukrainian detainees. We call on Russia to help ensure a thorough, transparent and credible investigation of this incident.
Like many others, including the IAEA, we are increasingly concerned about the situation evolving around the nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia. The Russian Federation bears full responsibility for the war and for causing this nuclear power plant to be a part of it. Adequate nuclear safety must be upheld, also in times of war.
We are relieved to see that transports of irreplaceable food supplies from Ukraine to the global market are taking place once more. Ukraine has again proven itself to be a reliable partner in the efforts to reduce global food insecurity. We commend the UN and Türkiye for their role in facilitating these transports. We urge the Russian Federation in particular to ensure that these transports continue unhindered.
Mr. Chair
This weekend also saw the 14 anniversary of the Russian attack on Georgia and the ensuing occupation of the Georgian regions of Abkhasia and Tskhinvali. There is a link between the continued conflicts in occupied areas of Georgia and the full-scale invasion war in Ukraine. We insist that Russia must respect the sovereignty of all countries within their internationally recognised borders, in accordance with the UN Charter and numerous other commitments.
Norway once again reiterates its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, including the Crimean peninsula and its territorial waters. The same goes for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders, including the occupied regions.
Thank you.