Zelensky calls on UN member states to join Crimea Platform

According to an Ukrinform correspondent, the head of state said this at the 76th session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, September 22.

"The participation of 46 nations and international organizations in the first inaugural summit of the Crimea Platform against the occupation of Crimea is genuine commitment to the UN fundamental principles. […] And the fact that the UN ignored this forum for addressing a global challenge pertaining to international law and occupation – these are some new principles not endorsed by anyone," Zelensky said.

To "reanimate" the UN, he called for remembering the fact that "we do not have any chosen ones here, untouchables here in this forum," referring to Russia. The UN consists of 193 equal nations, he said. "And I invite all those nations to join the Declaration of the Crimea Platform to condemn the occupation and to demonstrate that you are against changing borders by force in the world," Zelensky said.

The Crimea Platform should operate under the auspices of the UN, Zelensky said. According to him, if each nation has a vibrant forum endorsed by the UN, to operate 24/7, to address those concerns, this will be a genuine "reanimation" of the UN. This will bring back faith in the UN for the average citizen, he added.

Zelensky arrived in New York on September 20 to participate in the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Photo credit: President's Office