TOP HEAVY: Norway has sent a heavy delegation to this year’s UN week in New York. Fv: Climate Minister Espen Barth Eide (Ap), Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt (Ap), Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Ap), and Development Minister Anne Beathe Tvinnereim (Sp). Photo: Thomas Nilsson / VG
NEW YORK (VG) For the first time since the start of the war, the President of Ukraine meets at the UN. Prime Minister Støre believes it can be significant.
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The stage is set for the “World Cup in Diplomacy” when leaders from 193 countries meet in New York this week for the UN General Assembly.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will physically appear at the UN for the first time since Russia attacked the neighboring country.
It is happening at a time when support for Ukraine is under pressure from several countries. In the south, many countries are frustrated that the war is stealing all the attention.
– I think it is significant that Zelenskyj can now appear in person and speak and meet people. We are used to seeing him on a screen. He is a skilled communicator of what this is about for Ukraine and for other countries, says Støre to VG on his way into the UN.
Photo: Thomas Nilsson / VG
– I think Zelenskyj is going to have a message that warns against the development where countries settle, that a permanent member of the Security Council breaks the pact in the way they do, says Støre, referring to Russia.
– Zelenskyj is going to ask for support for Ukraine. They are fighting for their lives.
Photo: Thomas Nilsson / VG
Lavrov and Zelenskyj in the same room?
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is also coming.
So does Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Tension is linked to whether Zelenskyj and Lavrov will physically sit in the same room during Wednesday’s summit on Ukraine.
– The UN is the meeting place for the extremes, says Støre.
During last year’s UN week, Lavrov did not want to look Støre in the eye. The two have been close colleagues for a number of years.
Støre confirms to VG that he will seek contact with Lavrov in New York.
Photo: Thomas Nilsson / VG
“Disturbing” absence
Four of the five permanent members of the Security Council are dropping their heads of state this year. Only America’s Joe Biden is holding out. Russia, China, France and Great Britain are not coming.
– Will the UN be de-prioritised?
– It is the first time we have seen this type of absence. It is a slightly disturbing sign that the countries from the south prioritize coming here to work on their issues, while the countries in the Security Council are absent. They should all be here, believes Støre.
The Security Council is the UN’s most powerful body, but since the war broke out it has been paralyzed due to the veto power of the five permanent members who disagree.
SHOES CHANGE: Huitfeldt was helped by her boss when, in a “ninja move”, she changed from sneakers to pen shoes at the entrance to the UN. Photo: Thomas Nilsson / VG
– Did what we can
Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt (Ap), who is also participating in the UN week, believes that there is “a lot that can be said about the UN”, but that there is no alternative.
– Has the UN shown its peacekeeping muscles in connection with the war in Ukraine?
– When one of the veto powers actively prevents the Security Council from playing a role, I believe we have done what we can to focus on Ukraine. The UN General Assembly has decided by a large majority to condemn Russia, replies Huitfeldt.
Photo: Thomas Nilsson / VG
Requires a response from Solberg
Norway has sent a heavy delegation to this year’s “high-level week”. Støre, Huitfeldt, climate minister Espen Barth Eide (Ap), development minister Anne Beathe Tvinnereim (Sp) and health and care minister Ingvild Kjerkol (Ap) are all in “the big apple”.
For several days, they will be in a marathon of meetings to talk – and listen – to discussions about war and conflict, climate change, poverty and the pandemic.
– You here to talk about war, climate and inequality, but we have to ask about share purchases and spouses back home in Norway.
– The discussion going on in Norway is about very serious questions. There are still many unanswered questions. They must come to the table, replies Prime Minister Støre.
Published:
Published: 19.09.23 at 15:26
Updated: 19.09.23 at 17:13
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2023-09-19 13:26:32
#Sturgeon #York #Awaiting #warning #Zelenskyj
