Thank you,
Norway is as usual aligned with the statement made by the European Union and stands fully behind its content. Allow me still to make a few remarks in my national capacity.
Mr. Chair,
Like others, we are appalled by the Russian missile attack on Odesa, taking place only hours after Russia signed an international agreement to allow for the safe transport of grain and related products necessary to alleviate a looming global food crisis.
Russia’s attack on Odesa raises serious doubt regarding the credibility of Russia’s commitment to the agreement. Furthermore, it undermines the efforts of the UN, Türkiye, and Ukraine to bring much needed food products to world markets.
It is a fact that it is Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine that has hindered the export of life-saving grain from Ukraine. Russia’s claims that the food crisis is due to the sanctions against Russia are simply incorrect.
Mr. Chair,
Allow me also to join the acting head of the Special Monitoring Mission and others in this room in their demand that the SMM’s national Mission members, who are deprived of their liberty in non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk, be released immediately and unconditionally.
We vehemently denounce the unfounded claims and fabricated accusations brought against the national Mission members.
Finally, Mr. Chair, Norway reiterates its full support for the people of Ukraine, and its unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. We call on Russia, again, to stop its illegal attack on Ukraine immediately and withdraw its forces.
Thank you.