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Belarus presents statement of group of like-minded states against sanctions in UNIDO in Vienna
MINSK, 1 December (BelTA) - Belarus presented a joint statement on behalf of the group of like-minded states condemning the practice of applying unilateral coercive measures at the plenary meeting of the General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Vienna on 30 November, BelTA learned from the Belarusian diplomatic mission in Vienna.
Along with Belarus the statement was co-sponsored by China, Russia, Venezuela, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Nicaragua, Syria and the State of Palestine. The statement was prepared at the initiative of the Permanent Missions of Like-Minded States to the UN Office and other international organizations in Vienna.
The authors of the statement expressed serious concern and categorical rejection of unilateral coercive measures, describing them as illegitimate and illegal. The statement notes that unilateral coercive measures with extraterritorial application have become unprecedented and constitute a significant violation of international law, including the UN Charter.
Like-minded states stated that unilateral coercive measures represent an interference with the sovereign affairs of other states and contradict the principle of cooperation that underpins the activities of the UN, the economic interests of most countries, and the well-being of target populations. Such measures create obstacles to the full realization of the right to development, exacerbate structural problems in the world economy and undermine global food and energy security.
In the context of UNIDO's work, the statement noted that unilateral coercive measures complicate the promotion of inclusive and sustainable industrialization, innovation and technological progress. The implementation of important technical assistance projects is under serious and constant threat. As a result of the restrictions, a number of states are experiencing significant difficulties both in funding relevant initiatives and in obtaining assistance from external donors. Thus, technical cooperation and the necessary equipment, which are among the key tools for sustainable development, often become unavailable.
Like-minded countries noted that unilateral coercive measures are a feature of the so-called rules-based world order, which was imposed on the international community by a limited number of countries. These so-called rules are invented and used to justify illegal actions against those who build their own policies in accordance with international law.
The co-sponsoring states of the joint statement called on UNIDO member states to strongly condemn these destructive measures, not to recognize or apply them, and at the same time to take effective administrative or legislative steps to counter the extraterritorial application or effects of unilateral coercive measures.
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