Britain’s acting deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Archibald Young, accused Iran on Tuesday of holding the global economy hostage by obstructing the right of transit passage, stressing that it is a fundamental navigational right under international law.
This came after the UN Security Council failed to adopt a Gulf-Jordanian draft resolution aimed at securing maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, following the veto by two permanent members of the Council, Russia and China.
Young affirmed to the Council that his country is determined to take all possible diplomatic, economic, and coordinated measures to ensure the reopening of the Strait and will not relent in these efforts.
He added that all members of the Security Council desire to see a reduction in tensions in the Strait and welcomed the ongoing diplomatic efforts to achieve this goal.
He pointed out that Russia and China have chosen to “protect their ally Iran” instead of joining international efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and avert the risks threatening the global economy.
For his part, France’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jérôme Bonnaveau, stressed the need to continue efforts to pave the way for de-escalation, despite the resolution’s failure to pass, and to reach a ceasefire that would guarantee the restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait.
Bonnaveau said it was “difficult to comprehend that two permanent members of the Security Council—who declare their commitment to diplomacy and the peaceful resolution of disputes, would use their veto power,” expressing his country’s regret at the resolution’s failure.
He explained that the resolution’s objective was to encourage purely defensive measures aimed solely at ensuring the security and safety of the Strait without escalating the situation.
He reiterated his country’s position that these threats cannot be resolved militarily, emphasizing that “a negotiated agreement is necessary, whereby Iran agrees to make substantial concessions to address the legitimate concerns of the international community.”
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Asim Ahmed, who abstained from voting on the resolution, stated that his country still believes in allowing sufficient time and space for ongoing diplomatic efforts to facilitate a return to dialogue and constructive engagement.
Ahmed noted that Pakistan will continue to pursue a lasting diplomatic solution to the current situation, as it is “the cornerstone of our ongoing diplomatic efforts, which we are determined to continue.”
He stressed the importance of diplomacy, restraint, and dialogue, pointing out that Pakistan has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to this end, in coordination with its partners in the region and beyond.
The Pakistani ambassador highlighted the five-point initiative announced by his country and China in Beijing last week, accompanied by a step-by-step roadmap.
This initiative includes an immediate cessation of hostilities, the launch of comprehensive peace talks, the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure, the restoration of maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, and a firm reaffirmation of the UN Charter and international law as the indispensable framework for achieving a lasting political settlement.
— KUNA
