Moscu, 16 February 2022 (TDI): The Foreign Minister of Russia, Sergei Lavrov; and the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres held talks via videoconference, on 14 February.
Lavrov and Guterres had a detailed discussion, and they also exchanged opinions on several issues. Those issues were in the international area like Syria, Libya, and the UN Interim Administration Mission’s activity in Kosovo.
The reason for the discussion was the fact that Russia will assume the presidency of the UN Security Council in February. The Foreign Minister informed the Secretary-General about the ongoing talks with NATO and OSCE member countries on security guarantees for Russia.
According to the note, Lavrov informed Guterres of the situation of the talks in a detailed manner. Both parties reaffirmed the importance of further strengthening the UN’s central coordinating role in international politics.
They also remarked on their mutual determination to expand mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and the UN. Lavrov informed Guterres with a special emphasis on the problems faced by Russia’s Permanent Mission to the UN.
According to Lavrov, those problems are happening due to the failure of the United States to fulfill its obligations under the United Nations Headquarters Agreement. Among those obligations, there is the return of the Mission’s official premises that have been seized by US authorities.
Another obligation that the US failed to fulfill is the issuance of visas to the Mission’s staff; and members of Russian delegations involved in the work of the UN General Assembly and its main committees.
The Russian Mission in Geneva then requested the warmongering to stop, and also to stop the fear and panic spreading. He also mentioned that diplomacy is the answer and that Russia does not want wars. Finally, Lavrov mentioned that Russia only wants to protect its national interests.
RUSSIA-UN RELATIONS
Russia was one of the original members of the United Nations from 24 October 1945. The country is also one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council due to its ownership of nuclear weapons.
The other four permanent members are China, France, the United Kingdom, and also the United States. The five of them have veto power, which means that they can veto a resolution of the Council on a conflict situation if it contains something that threatens their national interests.
