Delivered By His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab, Deputy Permanent Representative and Chargé d’Affaires a.i.,

Mr. President,

I thank Assistant Secretary-General Jenča for his briefing.

Like other Council members the United Arab Emirates is concerned with the recent heightening of tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We continue to stress the importance of de-escalation and restraint. All sides must avoid exacerbating the situation through escalatory action or rhetoric, not least due to the potential humanitarian consequences. It is important to ease the situation of civilians and avoid making their lives more precarious.   

We echo the Secretary-General’s 14 December statement on ensuring freedom and security of movement along the Lachin Corridor, in line with the 9 November 2020 trilateral statement by Armenia, Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation.

These latest developments reinforce the need to find a comprehensive and sustainable settlement and build on progress that has been achieved thus far. In this regard, we underline the importance of the trilateral statements, including those of 11 January 2021, 26 November 2021, and 31 October 2022.  

The UAE reiterates its principled position that there is no lasting military solution to conflict. We continue to urge the parties to resolve their differences through peaceful and diplomatic means in line with international law and the UN Charter. We encourage the two parties to engage constructively and in good faith with mediation efforts in order to achieve long-term peace in the region.

Mr. President,

At a time of regional and geopolitical uncertainty, we, the members of this Council and the international community, must do our utmost to bolster stability, dialogue and peaceful coexistence. The UAE will continue to support all efforts to that end.

Thank you, Mr. President.