President,
We highly appreciate Colombia’s efforts to focus this Council’s attention on mediation and dialogue as pathways to lasting peace.
Like we affirmed in the recent General Assembly meeting on strengthening mediation, Norway is deeply committed to peaceful conflict resolution and to the United Nations’ indispensable role in such efforts. There is no substitute for lasting political solutions to war and conflict. And there is no substitute for the multilateral system and the UN in providing legitimacy, inclusiveness and sustainability to such solutions.
President,
The dramatic escalation across the Middle East has caused massive suffering, fear and setbacks for the population in the region. This includes Lebanon, where renewed conflict is undermining both national and regional stability with civilians, civilian infrastructure, humanitarian, medical and UN personnel targeted. For Palestinians, the Iran crisis has diverted international attention from the urgency of their plight. And it has very real consequences on all continents, with an unprecedented disruption of both energy distribution and global trade in fertilizers.
It is important to recall that the current crisis is rooted in a much longer trajectory of conflict. Cycles of violence have deepened instability, ultimately drawing in actors across the region and contributing to the situation we are witnessing today.
President,
The past few months have also revealed something else: that most states share an interest in de-escalation and stability. In preserving the space for mediation. In investing in the institutions that support de-escalation. And in preserving the basic tenets that have served us so well – such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. There can be no compromises when it comes to freedom of navigation: the strait of Hormuz must be re-opened fully.
It is essential that a lasting, predictable solution is found between Iran and the United States. Norway fully supports Pakistan’s mediation efforts.
President,
This Council can play a vital role in empowering mediation and de-escalation efforts conducted both by regional actors and the UN. It can lend its authority to efforts made to alleviate the massive global implications and supply chain disruptions that the current conflicts in the Middle East are generating.
And it can take steps to ensure meaningful participation of women, youth, civil society and affected communities in ongoing mediation and peacebuilding processes, improving prospects of lasting peace.
Thank you.