Mexico calls for cease-fire in Ukraine at UN

By Jorge Antonio Rocha

MEXICO CITY (AA) - Mexico’s ambassador to the United Nations called Monday for the immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion of the country.

Speaking at the 11th Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly on Ukraine, Juan Ramon De la Fuente lamented the ineffectual measures taken to address the crisis.

“We come seeking to stop first and foremost the suffering of the Ukrainian people. The Security Council was not able to fulfill its mandate and adopt the measures necessary to put an end to the acts of aggression against Ukraine and to restore international peace and security,” said De la Fuente.

The ambassador also pushed for the council’s permanent members to refrain from enacting their right of veto, reiterating that once again, Mexico rejects this right within the council, saying this mechanism has only hindered its functions.

“Mexico once again demands that the permanent members of the Security Council refrain from using the veto in situations in which they are directly involved or in situations of mass atrocities,” he said.

He also denounced the situation in Ukraine and reaffirmed Mexico’s solidarity with the country.

“Mexico reiterates its respect for the sovereignty, the unity, and the territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. We condemn the acts of aggression to which it has been subjected,” De la Fuente said during his speech.

He also presented concise proposals to the council, urging an immediate end to hostilities, that regional organizations be supported to help reduce tensions between the parties and that diplomacy be used for resolving the conflict.

“Hundreds of thousands of conflict-affected, internally displaced people and approximately half a million others who have had to seek refuge in other countries need us to act for the sole purpose of alleviating their suffering,” he added.