Luxembourg Foreign Minister Comments on Global Conflicts at UN General Assembly

On Saturday 28 September 2024, Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, Xavier Bettel, delivered a speech on behalf of the Grand Duchy as part of the general debate of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

In his multilingual speech, Minister Bettel focused on the following topics: respect for the Charter of the United Nations, the role of the UN and ways to improve its effectiveness in resolving conflicts and preserving peace through reform of the Security Council; the need for Russia to immediately stop its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine; the urgency of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a political solution, based on the two-state solution, in order to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East; the importance of basing relations with Africa on a partnership of equals; the importance of respecting human rights, including the rights of minorities.

More specifically, he highlighted the difficulty of ensuring no one is left behind in a world impacted by conflicts - of which there are 60 ongoing and another 50 could break out "tomorrow", he noted. "The whole world is, in fact, if you look geographically, in conflict," he stated.

Regarding Ukraine, he argued that holding peace conferences without the presence of Russia or China can only mean "moral support" for Ukraine, adding: "If we want to find a solution, then you have to get everybody around the table". He reflected on Luxembourg's own experience of oppression by bigger, foreign neighbours in the past. He also spoke about the lasting "human consequences" of the war in Ukraine.

Looking at the Middle East, he stressed that "there will not be a winner in this war". He warned of the impact on future generations in Israel and Palestine - "generations of hatred" - urging that a solution to the conflict be found quickly, not least to avoid the emergence of future terrorists. Minister Bettel also urged Israel to stop placing the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) on a terrorist list. He stated: "We need a two-state solution and we need to realise that […] without peace in Palestine there will never be any guaranteed peace for Israel". He acknowledged Israel's right to self defence but also stressed "there are limits".

Moreover, Minister Bettel emphasised the need to respect the rights of women and minorities. He also commented on the importance of environmental concerns, as well as the Security Council reform. On the latter, he proposed an alternative where a two-thirds majority could overturn a veto, arguing that "having more members in the Security Council would just be expanding the problem".

Minister Bettel concluded by expressing hope for a world where everyone has the same opportunities, rights and obligations, regardless of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or (parents') wealth.