From 1 November, Latvia will preside over the United Nations Security Council for the first time in its history. Throughout the month, the country will chair both formal and informal meetings. One of its priorities will be to keep Russia's aggression against Ukraine on the international agenda.
This was reported by Delfi, citing Latvia's Ambassador to the UN, Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes.
According to the ambassador, the presidency will give Riga an opportunity to represent its interests and values more actively, draw international attention to important issues and demonstrate a responsible approach to global security.
Approximately 90% of the UN Security Council's agenda consists of mandatory regular meetings. However, the country holding the presidency can initiate one or two additional meetings dedicated to issues it considers priorities.
Latvia intends to use this opportunity to advance its security agenda.
Pavļuta-Deslandes emphasised that one of Riga's main objectives will be to support Ukraine and counter attempts to normalise Russian aggression.
Latvia aims to keep Russia's war against Ukraine among the key topics discussed by the Security Council, counter Russian propaganda and explain Moscow's imperial ambitions and the global consequences of its actions to the international community.
Because Russia holds a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and has veto power, the institution is effectively unable to adopt meaningful decisions concerning Russia's war against Ukraine. Nevertheless, presenting the facts about Russian aggression on the international stage remains important.
According to the ambassador, the UN Security Council has held 16 formal meetings on Ukraine this year. Almost all of them were convened by Latvia together with its European allies at Ukraine's request.
In addition, Riga organised an Arria-formula meeting devoted to the humanitarian consequences of Russian aggression, particularly the situation of prisoners of war, civilian hostages and foreign nationals recruited by Russia into its armed forces.
Latvia also regularly holds informal briefings for representatives of other countries on the situation in Ukraine and other international conflicts.
