France's message at UN is that some countries still believe in charter: Foreign minister

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) – France's message at the UN is that some countries still do believe in the principles of the UN Charter, the country’s foreign minister said Monday.

Catherine Colonna told a news conference on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly that the meeting is being held in a context where a permanent Security Council member – Russia – launched an attack on "its neighbor, a sovereign and independent state, namely Ukraine."

The impact of this action is “huge and undeniable," she added, also accusing Russia of weaponizing energy and food.

"There are countries which believe in the principles of the (UN) Charter, in peace via law, international cooperation, dialogue, collective solutions to common challenges … and France is among them," she explained.

She vowed that France would continue to fight against "impunity for the crimes committed in Ukraine."

Colonna also stressed that France’s delegation at the UN will make efforts on topics such as climate and health.

- Migration issue in Italy, UN reform

Asked about the situation on Italy's Lampedusa Island due to a sharp rise in immigrant arrivals last week, Colonna called for the adoption of a European migration pact before the year ends.

She also stressed that efforts must focus particularly on human traffickers.

In reply to another question, Colonna also expressed support for reforming the UN system in order to get a more inclusive Security Council.

The UN General Assembly opened its 78th session with the Sustainable Development Goals Summit at its New York headquarters.