TEHRAN – Defending the rights and interests of the Iranian people will be the main purpose of participation in the UN General Assembly, Foreign Minister Abbass Araghchi said, noting that Tehran seeks to present its positions and address the consequences of the recent U.S.-Israeli war of aggression.
Speaking upon his arrival in New York for the UN General Assembly, Araghchi said the visit comes after an “unfair war” waged by the U.S. and the Israeli regime against Iran, adding that the situation remains one of war.
He said Iran’s primary objective is to use the UN as “a major international platform” to defend the rights, interests and legitimacy of the Iranian people.
Araghchi acknowledged questions about the UN’s effectiveness in achieving its goals of promoting peace, security and justice, but stressed that the organization nevertheless provides countries with an important platform to present their positions to the international community. He said Iran has consistently used the annual gathering to articulate its positions and defend the rights of its people.
“This year, following the war that took place, naturally this platform will be a place to express the plight of the Iranian people, Iran’s martyrs, the martyrs of the Minab school and, foremost among them, our martyred Leader,” Araghchi said.
Referring to this year’s UNGA theme of “renewing trust in the United Nations,” Araghchi said the theme itself reflects widespread concerns over the erosion of confidence in the international organization. He attributed this to the UN’s failure to effectively maintain international peace and security.
He criticized the selective approach of some countries to international law and human rights, saying certain states consider themselves entitled to act without regard for international institutions, international law or “the collective conscience of humanity.” He also criticized Western and European countries for their silence toward Israeli actions in Palestine, Gaza, Lebanon and Iran.
Araghchi specifically referred to the killing of 168 Iranian children in a single incident, saying that even a basic condemnation had not been issued by those countries. He argued that such conduct has contributed to the loss of trust in an international organization perceived as being influenced by those states.
Araghchi also pointed to a number of side events and meetings on the sidelines of the General Assembly, including a summit on the environment as well as gatherings of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Non-Aligned Movement and other international organizations.
He said the presence of officials from numerous countries in New York also provides an opportunity for bilateral meetings and a review of Iran’s relations with different states, adding that Tehran plans to make use of the opportunity during an intensive four- to five-day program.