Delivered by His Excellency Mohamed Abushahab, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative

Mr. President,

The United Arab Emirates associates itself with the statement delivered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on behalf of the States of the Gulf Cooperation Council. I would like to make some additional comments in my national capacity, in light of the vote that has taken place. 

The UAE abstained because the text of the resolution is unclear and imprecise. It offers the support of the General Assembly for reparations and evidentiary processes that are yet to be defined by a group of Member States that is still to be determined.

When such mechanisms have been developed previously, their modalities and mandates have been defined at the outset, with the broad agreement of the international community. This has not been the approach with respect to the present resolution, and we are concerned about its potential consequences, including in relation to important international legal principles such as sovereign equality and sovereign immunity.

This resolution should not be seen as validating or authorizing unilateral acts, including asset confiscation, taken with the purpose of facilitating remedy or reparations.

Putting in motion an uncertain process with unknown implications, even in the name of a just cause, can undermine the predictability and stability on which the international system is based.

Mr. President,

As we have stressed before, there is an urgent need for a cessation of hostilities and peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine, and the UAE stands ready to promote any efforts towards this end.

At the same time, we underline the need for a broad-based effort to rebuild and reconstruct Ukraine. The UAE has been actively contributing to the humanitarian response and we stand ready to continue our support.  

Thank you, Mr. President.