, Mr Burhan Gafoor, while speaking in a rare UN General Assembly){kind=link}
Singapore’s permanent representative to the United Nations (UN), Mr Burhan Gafoor, while speaking in a rare UN General Assembly on a resolution that Russia should stop its invasion of Ukraine said that it is important for all nations, especially the smaller states to send a clear signal that international law must be upheld and nations should be united in peace.
In the speech presented by Gafoor, he brought up the points which had been said before by Singapore’s ministers, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Foreign Affairs Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan.
He mentioned that Singapore has always stood by the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries and also that Singapore has always supported the rule based multilateral system of the UN.
He further mentions that the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which is unprovoked, is clearly violating the norms of international law and UN Charter.
Condemns Russian invasion of Ukraine
In condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Gafoor spoke and said that particularly for tinier countries like Singapore, it is an existential issue.
He then said that smaller countries like Singapore would suffer from the principle where by ‘might is right’ or the ‘stronger countries being able to do what they want and the weaker ones must suffer’.
He further mentions that Singapore cannot accept countries attacking each other without any forms of justification.
He also called for humanitarian aid to Ukraine and for those in need to be undisrupted and being able to get to the destination safely.
The situation in Ukraine which has taken away countless of lives and caused casualties is also viewed with great sadness and regret by Singapore.
In concluding his speech, Mr Gafoor urged members to support the resolution to demand the withdrawal of the Russian troops from Ukraine immediately.
Those interested can watch the three hour long assembly below.
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Image and Video source: Youtube/United Nations